Gang organization, offending, and victimization: A cross-national analysis

Gang organization is the degree to which a group effectively and efficiently coordinates and carries out activities. Organization contains various dimensions, one of which is structural. Less is known about how features of gang organizational structure influence the criminogenic behavior of gang members. This study adds to the literature by analyzing the effect of gang organizational structure on patterns of gang member delinquency and victimization. Using three unique sources of data-Arizona Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM), Trinidad and Tobago Youth Study (TTYS), and Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT)-the above questions are addressed in a cross-national context. While gang organization was associated with increased levels of delinquency and victimization, the findings were mixed across the research contexts. This chapter concludes by discussing the implications of these findings and provides suggestions for future research.