@article{ref1,
title="Are Gangs a Social Problem?",
journal="Journal of gang research",
year="2009",
author="Gilbertson, DL",
volume="16",
number="2",
pages="1-25",
abstract="This study examined definitions of social problems and gangs, and sought to determine whether they lead to the conclusion that gangs are a social problem. Findings suggest that gangs are perceived by the general public, and by local and Federal agencies, as a problem worthy of attention. There is a strong correlation between gang membership and criminality supported by empirical research. The study's hypothesis is that gangs can be defined as a social problem. Using the Socratic method, several questions are posed and examined: what is a social problem; how are definitions developed; are definitions always right; what is a gang; what are gang-related activities; what is a criminal gang; and how are gangs perceived? The results, and answers to the questions, demonstrated that gangs are a social problem, a private issue that has risen to the level of a public issue based on perceptions (public opinion/collective definition) of its harmfulness to society.<p />",
language="en",
issn="1079-3062",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}