Encyclopedia of Gangs

Louis Kontos editor David C Brotherton editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:30th Nov '07

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Encyclopedia of Gangs cover

Provides an overview of the gang phenomenon both historical and contemporary.

Gangs are usually discussed in the media in terms of me and violence, and little else. This encyclopedia seeks to illuminate the world of gangs, including gang formation, routine gang activities, aberrations and current developments. It contains one hundred essay entries related to gangs worldwide which provide an overview of the gang phenomenon.

In light of Los Angeles' gang state of emergency, ethnic and minority gangs are arguably more high profile now than at any other time in our history. News media typically focus on the crime and violence associated with gangs, but not much else. This encyclopedia seeks to illuminate the world of gangs, including gang formations, routine gang activities, aberrations and current developments. One hundred essay entries related to gangs in the United States and worldwide provide a diffuse overview of the gang phenomenon. Each entry defines and explains the term, provides an historical overview, and explains its significance today. As the following entries demonstrate, gangs are part of the fabric of American society. They are not only in our communities but also our schools and other social institutions. Understanding the world of gangs is therefore needed to understand American society.

Entries include: Bikers, Bloods, Cholas, Crips, gang mythology, gang warfare, graffiti, Hell's Angels, Hong Kong Triads, Latin Kings, law enforcement, occultic gangs, mafia, media, prison gangs, rites, Skinheads, Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act, tattoos, trafficking, Wanna-bes, West Side Story, Witness Protection programs, and youth gangs.

"Billed as the first encyclopedia of gangs in the United States, this volume provides an extensive over view of the great variety of gangs in American society and selected other countries (e.g., Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Russia, South Africa, and Spain), and the various public programs and policies that have been developed to ameliorate their negative impacts. . . . This encyclopedia will be useful for college and university libraries, or other settings where readers desire further understanding of this complex topic. Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners." - Choice
"The first encyclopedia on the subject of gangs definitely delivers what the editors intended: an orientation to the subject, a stimulation of curiosity, and guidance for further investigation of the subject by the reader. Recommended for academic and large public libraries." - Booklist
"The Encyclopedia of Gangs provides timely and compelling information on a topic that has gained a great deal of attention both in institutions of higher education and mainstream media outlets...recommended for novice researchers...The Encyclopedia of Gangs offers a nice starting point for the study of a wide range of gang topics and would make a fine addition to most library collections." - ARBA
"The Greenwood press Encyclopedia of Gangs is highly recommended. The authors have provided excellent context and academic background for what is becoming an increasingly multifaceted and prevalent subject matter. . . . This book will find a strong audience in sociology, cultural, justice, civil liberty and criminology fields. It is particularly readable and offers a nice balance between depth of subject matter and 'continued investigation'. Public, special and academic libraries should give strong consideration to this item, particularly as there is a dearth of resources in the subject area." - Reference Reviews

ISBN: 9780313334023

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

312 pages