Introduction
The issue of gang-related crimes is not new phenomenon. Both the public and criminologists have renewed concern over the new changes in the rising violent crimes committed by juvenile gangs. While violent gangs used to be a preserve of large cities, currently, the gangs appear to be present in all cities both small and medium sized. The increasing apprehensions of violent criminal activities among the adolescents and their relationships with violent gangs have led to the conclusion that violent crimes are becoming a menace. Besides, the researchers and professionals in the criminology field have used the findings of various studies to conclude that becoming a membership of violent gangs and crime are closely correlated. While the studies on the gangs and related activities have been going on for more than a century, the renewed emphasis on the study on the prevalence and dynamics of the gangs have re-merged due to the new trends in the behavior of the gangs. The overwhelming conclusions from the various studies indicate that gang members tend to be more violent compared with non-members. Besides, gang members have increased possibility of owning weapons, which are not necessarily guns.
The new trends in the violent behavior of behavior of gangs are alarming. The current gangs are more violent than previously thought. Besides, the activities the gangs are participating in are also changing. In other words, bunches of criminals are currently involved in grave crimes. In addition, bunches of hooligans are associated with deviant and drug related activities and most importantly, their ability to acquire and utile firearms to brutally harm their adversaries. While the changing attributes remains significant to the policy makers, the use of firearms appears to be creating the most disturbing scenario. Cities across US have experienced an increased use of firearms by the criminal gangs. Evidence associate criminal gangs with increasing rate of homicide. In fact, current studies indicate that the gang-related murder have amplified in the lat ten years. Moreover, the disagreements among the gang members as well as among the gangs have resulted in deadly conflicts due to increased capability and accessibility of using firearms. Certain studies have correlated the rising attribute of gang violence with the increasing available of firearms. Some researchers have studied the variables that relates to the increased accessibility such as staying in high poverty areas and correlate the findings with increasing violence. The findings of such studies are in line with the findings of the current researches showing that highly sophisticated weaponry can easily be obtained by criminal gangs.
However, it is unclear whether the accessibility to more deadly arsenal is the main cause for the rising violence among the gang members. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether ownership a deadly weapon is associated with being a member of a gang. In particular, the paper is to examine various studies to determine whether the becoming a member of a gang increases the likelihood of owning a deadly weapon especially a gun. In the circumstance that the causal order of the two variables is disclosed, the criminal strategists will be offered with greater prospect of creating transformations as well as establishing measures that can be applied to fight violent criminal activities being observed among the street gangs.
Vast literature on the issues of gun ownership contributes to the debate whether becoming a member of the gang increases the likelihood of owning the gun. While some studies indicate the positive correlation between the variables, some studies have indicated that there are no significant differences between the gang membership and the gun ownership. The study intends to test whether being a member of gang membership increases the likelihood of gun ownership. The conclusion will be drawn from the content analysis of the past studiers that have been conducted on the area of gang membership and the gun ownership.
The Scope of the Studies
Information included in this study has come from credible sources primarily from previous studies. Most importantly, there has been a keen focus on previous studies published in journals as well as peered reviewed journal articles and credible websites. Some key databases consulted include criminal justice and web science. The topic searched is how is gun ownership linked to gang membership? The hypothesis tested is whether gang membership increases the likelihood of gun ownership. The scope of the literature studied are indicated in the tables below:
Search log
The articles searched for include:
Summary of the reports
Watkins, A. M., Huebner, B. M., & Decker, S. H. (2008). Patterns of gun acquisition, carrying, and use among juvenile and adult arrestees: evidence from a high-crime city. Justice Quarterly, 25(4), 674-700
Research design
The researchers utilized the case-control studies to examine the correlation between the variables
Sample/population
The study targeted both adult and youth arrestees within the adult jail and juvenile detention facilities in St. Louis. All the detained subjects were eligible for the study, however, only 967 participants consisting of 629 adults and 338 juveniles took part in the study.
Sampling biases
The city of St. Louise has a fair distribution in terms of race and ethnicity. The population is also represented in the detention facilities. As such, limited biases were observed during the sampling procedure.
Hypothesis
The study tested the patterns of gun use, possession and carrying among the adult and juvenile arrestees.
Primary independent variable
The primary independent variables in this study included:
- Gun ownership
- Gun carrying
- Gun use
Dependent variable
The dependent variable is the gang membership
Controlled variables
- The frequency of gun carrying
- Perceptual measures
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
Demographic characteristics
Statistical technique employed
The researchers utilized the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The study indicated that there is increased prevalence of gun-involved behaviors among adults and juveniles. However, juveniles are more likely to carry guns compared with the adults. The findings also indicate that gun related behaviors among the juveniles are mainly determined by the gang membership. The adult behaviors are mainly driven by the access to guns, risk of arrest and fear of the street
Interactions studied
The researchers studied the interactions between the adult and juvenile inmates with their gun carrying behavior
Conclusions
The authors concluded that various macro-level factors have implications in the gun behavior among both juveniles and adults.
Spano, R., Freilich, J.D., Bolland, J. (2008). Gang membership, gun carrying, and employment: Applying routine activities theory to explain violent victimization among inner city, minority youth living in extreme poverty. Justice Quarterly, 25(2), 381-410.
Research design
The researchers utilized the case-control studies to examine the correlation between the variables
Sample/population
The study targeted youths aged between 9 years and 19 years living in 12 high poverty neighborhoods in Mobile Alabama. Among the targeted population the researchers sampled 2164 youths from 1733 households.
Sampling biases
Among the youth that participated about 96.5% were African Americans. The white youths were less than five percent of the total participants.
Hypothesis
The study tested:
- Whether gang membership is a risk factor for violent victimization
- Whether gun carrying is a risk factor for violent victimization and
- Whether employment is a risk factor for violent victimization
Primary independent variable
In this study, the independent variables are divided into two, key independent variable and the control variables. The key independent variables include gang membership, gun carrying and the employment.
Dependent variable
The dependent variable is the violent victimization
Controlled variables
- In this study, the control variables include
- Age
- Sex
- Family structure
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Parental monitoring,
- Violent behavior
- Drinking and drug use
Statistical technique employed
The researchers utilized the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The findings indicated statistical differences between the variables.
Interactions studied
The researchers studied the interactions between the demographic variables and the key independent variables
Conclusion
The authors concluded that gun ownership is more frequents among the youths in high poverty areas
Lizotte, A.J., Krohn, M.D., Howell, J.C., Tobin, K. Howard, G.J. (2000). Factors influencing gun carrying among young urban males over the adolescent-young adult life course. Criminology, 38(3), 811-834.
Research design
The researchers utilized the cross-sectional study to investigate the development of the delinquent behavior as well as drug-related behaviors among urban juveniles.
Sample/population
The researchers selected the sample from among the seventh and eighth grade youths from the public schools in Rochester, New York. Based on the study methodology, 1000 students were selected for the study
Sampling biases
Given the fact that that the probability of the study sample could be determined by the researchers, the sampling biases were greatly minimized. However, there were more males than females due to the higher probability in engaging in violent crimes compared with females. Besides, the samples from high crime areas were overstated due to the increased chances of criminal activities.
Hypothesis
The study tested whether the gang membership and drug-related behaviors has an influence on gun carrying behaviors among the youth. Besides, the study tested whether gang membership independent of the peer influence has effect on the gun ownership.
Primary independent variables
The primary independent variables include the gang membership, drug selling and the drug use.
Dependent variable
The dependent variable is the gun carrying
Controlled extraneous variables
The controlled variables in this study included:
- Delinquent values
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Race
- Ethnicity
Statistical technique employed
The researchers applied the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The findings indicate that gun carrying is most influenced by gang membership and drug use at younger stages in life. However, the trend changes as an individual becomes older. At the older stage, drug selling has the most influence. In a less extent, peers and drug use determine the hidden gun carrying at the older ages.
Interactions studied
The study not only studied the interactions between the variables but also the manner in which the factors relate to hidden gun carrying at different ages.
Conclusion
The conclusions of the study are that gang membership increases the chances of owning a firearm. The likelihood of owning a gun increases with the volume of sales. The study found that those involved in selling large quantities of drugs are more likely to own a gun than those selling small quantities of the drugs. Similar trend is also observed with the age. Generally, the study found a strong correlation between owning a gun and being a gang membership, selling of the drug and drug use.
Bjerregaard, B., & Lizotte, A.J. (1995). Gun ownership and gang membership. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 86(1), 37-58.
Research design
The researchers utilized the panel study to investigate the relationship between the variables being tested
Sample/population
The researchers selected the sample from among the seventh and eighth grade youths from the public schools in Rochester, New York. Based on the study methodology, 987 students were selected for the study
Sampling biases
Given the fact that that the probability of the study sample could be determined by the researchers, the sampling biases were greatly minimized. However, there were more males than females due to the higher probability in engaging in violent crimes compared with females. In addition minorities constituted the majority measuring over 87%.
Hypothesis
The study tested whether the gang membership have a causal relationship with gun ownership. Besides, the study tested whether delinquent behaviors have increased chances of owning a gun.
Primary independent variables
The primary independent variables include the gang membership and the delinquent behaviors.
Dependent variable
The dependent variable is the gun ownership
Controlled extraneous variables
The controlled variables in this study included:
- Delinquent values
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Peer gun ownership
- Gang membership influence
Statistical technique employed
The researchers applied the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The findings indicate that gang membership increases the chances of owning a gun. Similar results are also indicated in other weapons besides guns. Further, the nature of the relationship between gang membership and gun ownership is more complex due to various factors that are involved.
Interactions studied
The study not only studied the interactions between the variables but also the interactions between the gang members and the peers as well as the interaction between the gang members and the parents.
Conclusion
The authors concluded that gang membership increases the chances of owning a gun. Besides, the authors came to the conclusion that becoming gang members increases the chance of owning other weapons besides guns. Further, the nature of the relationship between gang membership and gun ownership is more complex due to various factors that are involved.
Spano, R., & Bolland, J.M. (2011). Is the nexus of gang membership, exposure to violence, and violent behavior a key determinant of first time gun carrying for urban minority youth? Justice Quarterly, 28(6), 838-862.
Research design
The researchers utilized the community epidemiology framework to investigate the relationship between the variables being tested
Sample/population
The study targeted youths aged between 9 years and 19 years living in 12 high poverty neighborhoods in Mobile Alabama. Among the targeted population the researchers sampled 2164 youths from 1733 households.
Sampling biases
The sample was biased in terms of race and ethnicity. Among the youth that participated about 96.5% were African Americans. The white youths were less than five percent of the total participants.
Hypothesis
The study tested the intersection or convergence of key risk factors across multiple domains for a small percentage of at risk youth which is a key determinant of first time gun carrying
Secondly, the study tested the diffusion hypothesis, which is the exposure to violence in the community for broad cross-section for at risk youth is a key determinant of first time of gun carrying.
Primary independent variables
- Gang member
- Gang member and exposure to violence
- Gang member and violent behavior
- Nexus of gang member, exposure to violence and violent behavior
Dependent variable
The dependent variable in this study included the initiation of gun carrying
Controlled extraneous variables
- Violent behavior
- Exposure to violence
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Age
- Sex
- Family structure
Statistical technique employed
The researchers applied the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The findings of the study indicate a huge overlap between the independent variables being tested, the gang membership, exposure to violence and violent behavior. Further, the multivariate findings indicated weak support for the diffusion hypothesis
Interactions studied
The researchers did not only study the interactions between the independent variables and the dependent variables but also the control variables and the independent as well as the dependent variables.
Conclusion
The authors concluded that gang membership, exposure to violence and violent behavior increases the likelihood of gun ownership. Besides, exposure to violence in the community is significant predictor of first time gun carrying.
Stretesky, P. B., & Pogrebin, M. R. (2007). Gang-related gun violence. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 36(1), 85-114.
Research design
The researchers applied the qualitative approach through the interviews.
Sample/population
The 22 respondents were sampled from 75 Colorado prison inmates who have used their firearms in the commission of the rest crimes
Sampling biases
The sample was fairly distributed in terms of ethnicity and race. However, in terms of demographics 92% were males while female inmates were represented by 8%. The variability in the sample was due to the differences in the population of male and female inmates
Hypothesis
The study tested whether the socialization mechanisms are correlated with the street gang violence
Primary independent variables
- Gang socialization
- Violent behaviors
Dependent variable
Gun crime
Controlled extraneous variables
- Sense of self
- Identity
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Protection
- Reputation
Statistical technique employed
The researchers applied the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The study found that the gangs are critical agents of socialization that help shape gang membership sense of identity and self respect. In addition besides owning guns for protection, guns are also symbol of reputation among the gung members.
Interactions studied
The researchers studied the social interactions among the gang members represented by the prison inmates
Conclusion
The authors concluded that the socialization processes among the gang members contributes to their increased violent behaviors.
Lizotte, A., & Sheppard, D. (2001). Gun use by male juveniles: Research and prevention. Web.
Research design
The researchers utilized the case-control studies to examine the correlation between the variable
Sample/population
The researchers selected the sample from among the seventh and eighth grade youths from the public schools in Rochester, New York. Based on the study methodology, 1000 students were selected for the study
Sampling biases
Given the fact that that the probability of the study sample could be determined by the researchers, the sampling biases were greatly minimized. However, there were more males than females due to the higher probability in engaging in violent crimes compared with females. Besides, the samples from high crime areas were overstated due to the increased chances of criminal activities.
Hypothesis
The study measured whether gun ownership increases gun crime
Primary independent variable
- Gang membership
- Gun carrying
- Gun crime
Dependent variable
Gun crime
Controlled extraneous variables
- Street crime
- Drug selling
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Owning guns for sports
- Owning guns for protection
Statistical technique employed
The researchers applied the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The study indicated that gun ownership is closely related to variety of unwanted juvenile activities including gun carrying, gun crime, gang membership, and drug selling
Interactions studied
The researchers examined the interactions between the juvenile criminal activities and the gun related behaviors
Conclusion
The authors concluded that gun ownership increases the chances of unwanted juvenile activities ranging from gun carrying to drug selling.
Bjrregaard, B. (2002). Self-definitions of gang membership and involvement in delinquent activities. Youth & Society, 34(1), 31-54.
Research design
The researchers utilized the longitudinal studies to examine the correlation between the variable
Sample/population
The researchers selected the sample among the high school students in the major cities of California, Illinois, Louisiana, and New Jersey. Based on the study methodology, 1663 students were selected for the study
Sampling biases
The study involved more males than females due to the higher probability in engaging in violent crimes compared with females. Besides, the samples from high crime areas were overstated due to the increased chances of criminal activities.
Hypothesis
The study tested the relationship between various procedures of defining gang membership and delinquent activities
Primary independent variable
- Gang membership
- Delinquent activities
- Firearm involvement
Dependent variable
Gun ownership related activities
Controlled extraneous variables
- Self identification
- Gang characteristics
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Gang involvement
- Group involvement
Statistical technique employed
The researchers applied the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The study results indicated variety of operational definitions of the gang membership as well as how it affects the adolescent behaviors in terms of owning a firearm and drug use.
Interactions studied
The researchers examined the interactions involving self-identification, individual and group involvement on the independent variables
Conclusion
The authors concluded that all people considering themselves to be members of a criminal gang have increased likelihood of engaging in diverse types of delinquent activities.
Lizotte, A. J., Tesoriero, J. M., Thornberry, T. P., & Krohn, M. D. (1994). Patterns of adolescent firearms ownership and use. Justice Quarterly, 11(1), 51-74.
Research design
The researchers utilized the longitudinal studies to examine the correlation between the variable
Sample/population
The researchers selected the sample from among the seventh and eighth grade youths from the public schools in Rochester, New York. Based on the study methodology, 987 students were selected for the study
Sampling biases
The study involved more males than females due to the higher probability in engaging in violent crimes compared with females. Besides, the samples from high crime areas were overstated due to the increased chances of criminal activities.
Hypothesis
The study tested the relationship between gun ownership and various adaptations to the hazardous relations and situations associated with crime
Primary independent variable
- Gun owned for sports
- Guns owned for protection
Dependent variable
Gun ownership related activities
Controlled extraneous variables
- Socialization for guns owned for sports
- Socialization into guns owned for protection
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Delinquent values
- Parents sport gun ownership
- Peer gun ownership
Statistical technique employed
The researchers applied the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The study results indicated that factors related to the sport gun ownership hugely varies with the variables leading to the gun owned for protection. The results also indicate that socialization into gun sports originate from the families while peer influences the socialization into protective gun ownership.
Interactions studied
The researchers examined the interactions involving families and peer influences.
Conclusion
The authors concluded that gun ownership for protection is an adaptation to the hazardous peer influence. However, gun ownership for sports have decreased probability of involving in delinquent activities
Luster, T., & Oh, S. M. (2001). Correlates of male adolescents carrying handguns among their peers. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 63(3), 714-726
Research design
The researchers utilized the longitudinal studies to examine the correlation between the variable
Sample/population
The researchers selected the sample from the National Longitudinal Survey Youth (NLSY97) 9, 022 youths of between12 and 16 years of age were selected for the study
Sampling biases
The study involved more males than females due to the higher probability in engaging in violent crimes compared with females. Besides, the samples from high crime areas were overstated due to the increased chances of criminal activities.
Hypothesis
The study tested the relationship between the factors associated with carrying a hand gun among juvenile males and other problematic behaviors.
Primary independent variable
- Parental measures
- Peer and social networks
- School environment
- Neighborhood environment
Dependent variable
Carrying hand gun
Controlled extraneous variables
- Ethnicity
- Parental monitoring
- Gang involvement
- Positive experience in school
- Gangs in neighborhood
Uncontrolled extraneous variables
- Peer influence
- Threatened at school
- Witnessed violent behavior
Statistical technique employed
The researchers applied the OLS regression to arrive at the results
Findings
The study findings indicate that juvenile males are more likely to own hand guns compared with their peer in case they are involved in deviant behaviors such as being members of a gang.
Interactions studied
The researchers examined the interactions involving adolescents, families and peers.
Conclusion
The authors concluded that males aged 15 years and above have increased likelihood of owning a gun in case they witness a violent crime or influenced by peers.
Issues in the Literature review
Methodological issues
While most of the literature indicates positive correlation between gang membership and the increase in the chances of owning a gun, others indicate a varying degree in which gang membership influences the chances of owning a gun. The variability observed in the past studies depends on the type of the methodology applied and the analysis. Some researchers have added related variables to test how such variables have an influence on the predetermined relationships. Such multivariate studies reduce the degree in which the gang membership affects the gun ownership.
In the multivariate studies, the correlations indicated a less extent to which the gang membership increases the chances of owning a gun. Most of the studies did not focus on the single outcomes, which are also restricted on the single causal variable. In fact, the current studies have moved beyond the piecemeal approach to the study of the gun behaviors. Researchers have been involved in testing various models and theories through the inclusion of other related variables and observing the manner in which they behave within the model. Testing the generality of the theoretical mechanisms increases the understanding of the gun ownership behavior. For instance, Watkins, Huebner and Decker (2008) tested the general theoretical mechanisms including fear and perceived risks, cross multiple outcomes and the various groups of offenders. Even though the multiple variables were tested, the findings of this study indicated the continued relevance in the understanding of the gun behaviors. In fact, the rate at which gang membership influenced the chance of owning a gun by other factors tested including fear.
Substantive issues
More complex studies that tend to test several hypotheses reveal complex relationships between the gang membership and the gun ownership. A community epidemiology study conducted by Spano & Bolland (2011) found a huge overlap between the independent variables being tested, the gang membership, exposure to violence and violent behavior. Further, the multivariate analysis found weak support for the diffusion hypothesis. The study concluded that gang membership, exposure to violence and violent behavior increases the likelihood of gun ownership. Besides, exposure to violence in the community is significant predictor of first time gun carrying. The relationship was not as expected.
Lizotte et al. (2000) used a panel study to examine the correlation between the gang membership, drug sale and drug use and the hidden gun carrying. Various factors influencing the variables created a spurious effect on the findings, which is consistent with the contagion model of illegal gun carrying. The findings of the study indicated that gun ownership is highly probable during the early years in the adolescent stage. In other words, the adolescent boys who are the members of the gang have increased chances of carrying a hidden gun compared with the older members. Generally, the Lizotte et al. (2000) study indicates how the elements that produce contagion in the gun carrying change through the adolescent years.
Lizotte et al. (2000) concluded that gang membership increases the chances of owning a firearm. Gangs are more likely to recruit adolescents who own guns. Similarly, involvement in the sales of drugs also increases the chances of owning a gun. The likelihood of owning a gun increases with the volume of sales. The study found that those involved in selling large quantities of drugs are more likely to own a gun than those selling small quantities of the drugs. Similar trend is also observed with the age. Generally, the study found a strong correlation between owning a gun and being a gang membership, selling of the drug and drug use. Critically looking at this study, other variables that closely relate to the gang membership influences the chance of owning a gun among the delinquent youths. The findings of this study are in line with findings of the multivariate studies that indicate reduced rate at which gang membership influences the gun ownership.
Bjerregaard and Lizotte (1995) utilized similar method to study the causal relationship between the gang membership and the probability of owning a gun. In their study, Bjerregaard and Lizotte (1995) found that gang membership increases the chances of owning a gun. Similar results are also indicated in other weapons besides guns. The findings also indicate that members of the criminal gang have increased probability of having fellow criminals who own guns in order to be protected and increase their reputations. Further, the nature of the relationship between gang membership and gun ownership is more complex due to various factors that are involved. Bjerregaard and Lizotte (1995) concluded that gang membership increases the chances of owning a gun. Besides, the authors came to the conclusion that becoming gang members increases the chance of owning other weapons besides guns. According to the authors, gang members have increased likelihood of associating with peers who are in possession of guns for security reasons whenever they live their places of residence. Further, the nature of the relationship between gang membership and gun ownership is more complex due to various factors that are involved.
The new trends in the behavior of gangs as indicated in the controlled studies are alarming. The controlled also conclude that the current gangs are more violent than previously thought. Besides, the activities the gangs are participating in are also changing. The multivariate studies have also associated the criminal gangs with serious crimes and drug-related behaviors besides being in possession of dangerous weapons. Such studies have suggested various policy measures to control such behaviors. The conclusions are that while the changing attributes remains significant to the policy makers, the use of firearms appears to be creating the most disturbing scenario. Cities across US have experienced an increased use of firearms by the criminal gangs.
The multiple variable studies could establish the correlations that explain the conflicts among the gang members, which normally become deadly because of the application of firearms. The accessibility and availability are also some of the variables that have been tested and linked to the gang membership and gun ownership. Such studies have found a strong correlation between the variables and have cited the availability and accessibility of the gang members to the firearms as the stimulating factor in gun ownership. However, it is unclear whether the accessibility to more deadly arsenal is the main cause for the rising violence among the gang members. Findings of such studies do not refute the original claims rather increases the conditions in which such claims can be studied. In other words, the studies restricted to the single variables are also critical in determining the manner in which gang membership influences gun ownership. Such studies indicate that even though there are causal relationships in the violent behaviors of the gangs depending on the variables being tested, such relationships are affected by other factors. Generally, the methodology and the study design influences the findings and the conclusions made in various studies reviewed. The general conclusion is that gang membership increases the likelihood of owning a gun.
Findings
The degree in which the hypothesis is supported
Most of the studies reviewed supported the notion that gang membership increases the probability of gun ownership. The studies that focused on the single outcomes indicated increased correlation between the gang membership and the related variables compared with complex studies that tended to test multiple hypotheses. Besides, the studies that tended to test complex theories and models have indicated that the relationship between the gang membership and gang ownership is a complex process that is influenced by various factors.
The pattern in the methodological issues
Most of the researchers used controlled case methodologies in measuring the relationships existing between the variables. The method is repeated though in diverse forms. In other words, the variability in the findings depended hugely on the variables being tested and those that are used as the control. Despite the observed patterns, the studies strongly supported the hypothesis that gang membership increases the chance of gun ownership.
Pattern in the substantive issues
However, as indicated, the current studies have moved beyond the piecemeal approach in studying the violent behaviors of gangs. In fact, researchers have adopted the broad-based approach where various variables are tested using related conditions in order to understand the correlation between the behaviors being investigated. In other words, testing the generality of the theoretical mechanisms increases the understanding of the violent behaviors of gangs. Findings of such studies do not refute the original claims rather increases the conditions in which such claims can be studied. Such studies indicate that even though there are causal relationships in the violent behaviors of the gangs depending on the variables being tested, such relationships are affected by other factors.
Summary and Conclusion
How gun ownership linked to gang membership
While most of the literature reviewed indicated positive correlation between gang membership and the increase in the chances of owning a gun, the chances vary with the type of the methodology applied and the type of analysis. In the multivariate studies, the correlations indicated a less extent to which the gang membership increases the chances of owning a gun. Some of the studies did not focus on the single outcomes, which are also restricted on the single variables. However, the studies that focused on testing relationships on single variables indicated an increased probability of owning a gun because of being one of the gang members. In such studies, the most commonly tested behaviors include violence and delinquent related behaviors.
How studies supported the hypothesis
Studies that focused on other variables and tested complex models and theories found that the correlation between the gang membership and gun ownership is affected by the variables being tested. The variability tends to lower or in some instances increases the chances of gun. The most commonly tested variables besides the gang membership include the gun carrying patterns, violent behaviors, employment and delinquent behaviors.
The conditions under which the hypothesis was supported
However, under normal conditions where studies focus on the single outcomes, the hypothesis that gang membership increases the chance of gun ownership is supported. Even though the outcome may not be direct, the overall conclusion is that gang membership behaviors have increased chances of causing the members to own a gun. In terms of policy implications, the findings in this study presents the policy makers with an increased opportunity to make changes that can be used to reduce the violent crimes being observed within the gangs.
References
Bjerregaard, B., & Lizotte, A. J. (1995). Gun ownership and gang membership. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 86(1), 37-58.
Bjrregaard, B. (2002). Self-definitions of gang membership and involvement in delinquent activities. Youth & Society, 34(1), 31-54.
Lizotte, A. J., Krohn, M. D., Howell, J. C., Tobin, K., & Howard, G. J. (2000). Factors influencing gun carrying among young urban males over the adolescent-young adult life course. Criminology, 38(3), 811-834.
Lizotte, A. J., Tesoriero, J. M., Thornberry, T. P., & Krohn, M. D. (1994). Patterns of adolescent firearms ownership and use. Justice Quarterly, 11(1), 51-74.
Lizotte, A., & Sheppard, D. (2001). Gun use by male juveniles: Research and prevention. Web.
Luster, T., & Oh, S. M. (2001). Correlates of male adolescents carrying handguns among their peers. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 63(3), 714-726.
Spano, R., & Bolland, J.M. (2011). Is the Nexus of gang membership, exposure to violence, and violent behavior a key determinant of first time gun carrying for urban minority youth? Justice Quarterly, 28(6), 838-862.
Spano, R., Freilich, J. D., & Bolland, J. (2008). Gang membership, gun carrying, and employment: Applying routine activities theory to explain violent victimization among inner city, minority youth living in extreme poverty. Justice Quarterly, 25(2), 381-410.
Stretesky, P.B., & Pogrebin, M.R. (2007). Gang-related gun violence. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 36(1), 85-114.
Watkins, A. M., Huebner, B. M., & Decker, S. H. (2008). Patterns of gun acquisition, carrying, and use among juvenile and adult arrestees: evidence from a high-crime city. Justice Quarterly, 25(4), 674-700.
Tables
Table 1: description of the individual studies
Table 2. Summary of the data