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Gangs
and Drugs
Steven D. Levitt
can be credited with producing the most widely read research on
Gang finances. He was able to use informants from gangs to provide
sample details of the economics and driving force behind gangs.
Black Economics reviews his report and concludes that people involved
in drug dealing need to be rescued. The promise of future lucrative
earnings can be the driving force for some, but we all know how
elusive that can be,
On average earnings
from gang activities are somewhat above minimum wage. However earnings
are highly skewed, with those at the top earning the most, and the
runners at the bottom on meagre earnings in comparison to minimum
wage levels. IT follows that economic factors alone are unlikely
to adequately explain individual participation in the gang, or gang
behaviour.
Street gangs
have a long history in America. There are recorded in history from
1927. Everybody knows of gangs which last way into adulthood such
as the Italian MAFIA and the Chinese TRIADs. Fortunately most gangs
today do not last beyond a few years.
A study in 1988
and 1922, suggest that gang members pursue financial activities
in response to alienation from legitimate labour markets. They have
found it difficult to get a job. Many have not even tried, because
they have no qualifications for the jobs they would like to do,
or have no connections for the entertainment or sporting industry
they might crave to be in, which require of course - no educational
qualifications.
The other minimum wage jobs which are available, they do not want
to do. Its below their street cred.
Research showed
that 7% of gang members involved in drug selling are likely to die
simply from being involved. Disputes which lead to death, are frequently
over territory, nonpayment of funds due, or over a woman. The child
mortality (children under 1) rate of the US is 0.7%. The teen mortality
rate is about 0.0007%
It follows that as a teenager, you are 10,000 times more likely
to die if you are in a gang, than not. In short, you are more likely
to die from gang activity, than to win the lottery. Some teens who
have been hard to control at school or at home, learn very hard
lessons in "respect" once they become involved in gangs.
Given the relatively
low financial returns to drug selling for the majority, why do youth
risk imprisonment or death to be involved in gangs and drugs. Many
countries have a zero tolerance to drug handling, so there if you
are caught, its straight to jail, no bail, and a prolonged prison
sentence. Most black people caught in any misdemeanor, be it drugs
or otherwise, do not have the funds to afford a decent lawyer, so
they are 100% likely to go down, once they are arrested.
Gangs are typically
found in poor areas. Many are divided along racial lines. The causes
are similar, No money, fractured turbulent family life, unemployment
rate 6 times the national average, of 40% or more. People comfort
themselves in groups, and find something quick and easy to sell.
Some like the excitement. For some its the only way they can get
friends. For others, its the norm in the neighbourhood. You either
join a gang or don't live there.
Gangs always
have leaders. They are responsible for collecting dues, overseeing
recruitment of new members, allocating punishments, and serving
as liaisons to the community. Roughly one-third of these leaders
are imprisoned at any given time. If only this leadership could
be channelled for good.
There is one
bright spark in all of this. Involvement in a gang is usually short
lived. If a gang leader and his officers are arrested, the gang
becomes weakened and beset by infighting, and can be overpowered
by rival gangs. Many gang members will join other gangs or some
will abandon drug dealing all together. Some will see the error
of their ways through local community mentoring groups or churches.
Perhaps, 8 years later than the average young person, they might
decide to finish their education and get a legitimate job. Unfortunately,
they will find the doors of professional jobs closed to them if
they have a criminal record.
For further
help or signposting email
us
Or
call Gangsline
on 0800 032 9538, on 07985 717 909
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