Routledge International Handbook of Critical Gang Studies

The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Gang Studies explores the complex and contradictory phenomenon of gangs, considering their socio-historical agency and their impact on spaces in flux. Drawing on a range of sociological, criminological, and anthropological traditions, it looks beyond pathological and non-transformative approaches, examining factors such as racialized power structures, state abandonment, colonization, and displacement. The handbook offers a variety of perspectives, including global and intersectional analyses, gender variations, political economy relations, historical contingency, and critical methodologies. It is an authoritative resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in critical criminology, sociology, youth crime, delinquency, and global social inequality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 724 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Gang Studies is a comprehensive exploration of the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of gangs in the post-industrial era. Rooted in the instability, inequality, and liquidity of this period, the handbook understands gangs as socio-historical agents that reflect, respond to, and create specific structured environments within constantly evolving spaces. With a global perspective and drawing on diverse sociological, criminological, and anthropological traditions, the handbook goes beyond traditional pathological, historical, and non-transformative approaches to examine the various factors that contribute to the emergence and persistence of gangs.

The handbook explores a range of contexts, including Chicago's historically entrenched racialized power structure and segregation, Brazil's unconstrained state-abandoned development of favelas, and the colonization, displacement, and dependency of people in Central America. By examining these diverse cases, the handbook seeks to redefine the theoretical and empirical traditions of critical gang studies.

The handbook offers a rich array of perspectives, encompassing:

A comprehensive view of gangs that takes into account their global context and appearance across different forms and stages of development.
An appreciation of gangs as socio-cultural formations that reflect the complex interplay of social, cultural, and economic factors.
A race-ethnic and class analysis of gangs that challenges assumptions about the underclass and highlights the intersectional properties of gang phenomenon.
A gender-specific analysis of gangs that emphasizes their intersectional nature and explores the unique experiences of women and girls within gang communities.
An examination of the relations between gangs and the political economy, focusing on the dominant modes of production and exchange and their impact on gang dynamics.
Treatments that demonstrate the historically contingent nature of gangs and their changes over time, highlighting the role of social, cultural, and political factors in their development.
A critical discussion of gang repressive policies, institutions, and practices, exploring their contradictory impact on communities and the broader societal context.

In conclusion, the Routledge International Handbook of Critical Gang Studies provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding gangs in the post-industrial era. By examining a range of contexts, perspectives, and factors, the handbook offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics, social structures, and cultural implications of gangs. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with gangs in today's world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032008851