From the Jets to the Bloods to the Latin Kings, gangs have long symbolized the roughest parts of urban America. Still, argues this collection of essays, crime and theft are just a part of what fuels their existence; gangs' roles in communities is far more complex. City Limits A refreshing anthology on gang life in the US. The editors have compiled fascinating, serious, and informative articles concerned with the theoretical and methodological contexts of gang research, women and gangs, links between gangs and politics, the problems of youth and gang life, and the social control of gangs... An excellent, very readable source. Highly recommended. Choice The popular image that depicts gangs as nothing more than criminal enterprises is too restrictive a picture.Gangs and Society moves beyond this tradition and instead represents an important advancement in understanding the role gangs play in some urban communities... this work is certainly a meaningful addition to the existing gang literature. -- Sean P. Varano Contemporary Sociology Finally! A solidly researched book that challenges the conservative academic dogma of gang members as incorrigible superpredators... May this book provoke a great rethinking of all that is amiss in our society today. -- Tom Hayden, professor at Occidental College and former California state senator The book's editors...do a remarkable job of highlighting the economic, political, social and cultural factors that impact the activities of gangs. -- Matthew T. Theriot Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare
