For many people, the typical image of youth gangs continues to be the popular media's portrayal of Bloods, Crips, and Skin Heads. But are today's gangs really that easy to classify? Surprisingly, the answer is no according to Youth Gangs in American Society.

Youth Gangs in American Society is one of the few criminal justice studies to explore the phenomenon of gangs as an outgrowth of society's need to explain crimes committed by children. It investigates the history and development of gangs through a broad approach that looks at several sociological aspects related to gangs - from the basic human need to bond to the media and law enforcement's responsibility for creating an image of gangs that does not always reflect reality.

Youth Gangs in American Society also provides readers with a scholarly study of gangs supported by the latest research and statistics. It is an essential resource for anyone who needs to understand gang typology, culture, and activities, particularly students of criminal justice, social work, and sociology.

In addition, a special chapter entitled "Girls and Gangs" examines this frequently overlooked topic. And two chapters on gang intervention strategies helps readers translate current theory and research into effective action plans.