Getting Into the Gang: Methodological Issues in Studying Ethnic Gangs

Abstract

A review of recent studies on ethnic youth gangs in the US is conducted and focuses particularly on whether and how ethnicity and culture are considered in theory and method construction. The general and ethnic specific methodological issues in studying gangs with a qualitative approach are examined. These methodological issues are then explored in relation to the research process and experiences from a three year ethnographic study of gangs in the African American, Hispanic and Asian American communities.

Key Words:

• Drug use
• Theory
• Methodology
• Gangs
• Ethnicity
• Culture