An Interview Study with Members of the Latin King Nation

Youth gangs in the United States have grown in number, location, age span of membership, diversity of cultural origin, complexity of structure, degree of involvement, and level of violence. These changes have caused people in the field to change the way they view, the way they interact, and the methods they use to impact gang members. The case study method was used to explore the research questions: What does the educational system look like through the eyes of a gang member? What can educators learn from this perception that will help them create an educational system that will impact this student? The methodology relied upon interviews with a male and a female gang associate of the Latin King Nation of West Chicago, Illinois. Interviews were one-on- one and over the phone. The analysis was derived from the perspectives and experiences of this couple. The exploration of their perceptions covered their entire educational experience up to the completion of their interviews. The major conclusions from this effort were drawn from the feelings and stories of the couple. This effort resulted in seeing gang members as real people with real lives.

Autorentext

Charla Waxman, MBA,Ed.D has worked with gang members for more than 25 years. She received the Milton Thrasher Award twice for her gang work. She is President of the Elgin Gang/Drug Task Force and is on the DuPage County State's Attorney's Gang Task Force.Gangs, mental health, and behavioral interventions are published areas for her.