Abstract

LIEBEL, Manfred. "Barrio gangs" en Estados Unidos: un reto a la sociedad excluyente. Desacatos [online]. 2005, n.18, pp.127-146. ISSN 2448-5144.

The barrio gangs in the United States, formed by Latin-American youngsters, have become an indelible part of the youth culture and represent the problems of second, third and fourth generation descendants of immigrants, within a society that denies them a dignified existence and complicates their life with excluding racist practices.These gangs also reflect the fast paced restructuration of the capitalist economy that generates an impoverished underclass with no other means of survival other than engaging in unregulated and illegal activities.The author analyzes the cultural practices of Latino gangs, as well as the significance that the barrios have on the self image and behavior of gang members. In particular, the paper touches the role of women in gangs, which has been a frequently overlooked subject. Finally it analyzes the historical conditions for the appearance and transformation of Barrio gangs in the United States.

Keywords : youth; violence; gangs; youth culture; immigration; United States.

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