Gang-related crime: The social, psychological and behavioural correlates

This study examined the behavioral, social and psychological factors associated

with gang-related crime. By comparing group crime committed by non-gang

youth and gang members, this study sought to identify the kinds of criminal

activity gang members engage in and identify the specific characteristics that

differentiate gang-related crime from other group crimes. We found that gangs

map out their territory with graffiti and intimidate others via threats. We also

found that high levels of individual delinquency and the presence of neighborhood

gangs were significant predictors of gang-related crime. Contrary to our

expectations, the perceived importance of social status, moral disengagement and

anti-authority attitudes did not predict gang-related crime; however, further

analyses showed that the perceived importance of social status and high levels of

moral disengagement predicted gang-related crime with anti-authority attitudes

acting as mediator. These findings highlight a need to examine more closely, the

psychological and social factors that contribute to gang membership and gangrelated

crime.