Family or a Business? History

¶ … family or a business?

History and disjuncture in the urban American street gang"

This paper summarizes and critically evaluates the article "Are we a family or a business?" History and disjuncture in the urban American street gang.

"Are we a family or a business?" History and disjuncture in the urban American street gang"

Venkatesh and Levitt (2000) investigate the economic impact of the entry of crack cocaine into Chicago's neighborhoods. Crack cocaine had led to the development of street gangs that monopolized the sale and distribution of this new product, resulting in new economic opportunities for a poverty-stricken demographic. However, the unique antagonistic-filled culture of this market meant leaders in the gang had to deal with challenges that came with the jealousy that often occurred among and between gang sets. To help meet these challenges, leaders from the four primary citywide gangs met bi-monthly, "to exchange ideas and suggestions for best leadership practices" (p. 428).

These leaders were also facing a change in the vision of who they were, as groups. Were they family, or were they a business? Historically, these gangs had been family, with members around Chicago becoming 'brothers' once they joined. They had their own oral history and literature, and cooperated with their fictive kin, for the benefit of the gang family. However, increasingly these organizations were being run as businesses, with some gang leaders pushing subordinates to outperform their brothers in revenue gain. The gangs were morphing from groups that had primarily been involved in minor crimes, social activities and delinquency to full-scale, organized criminal networks. The Black Kings, as an example, were now an integrated hierarchy that was eerily similar to corporate franchise.

The corporate ideology was a social phenomenon affecting more than just Chicago gangs, but American society in general, during the 1980s. Chicago-land gang members and yuppies had growing conspicuous consumption mentalities. However, with this shift came "the polarization of the ghetto economy into menial employment and equally inhospitable underground work" (Venkatesh & Levitt, 2000, p. 430).

In the beginning, gangs were used as a means of social support. Gang members also sometimes worked together to sell drugs or plan a burglary or auto theft. However, in the beginning, gangs typically didn't collectively come together to organize any type of entrepreneurial activity. Gangs were made up of older members, many of whom had served time in jail, who needed the gangs for survival, and younger teenage members who were involved in gangs for the 'fun', hanging out and meeting girls. These younger members had tangible connections to institutions in the neighborhoods, like schools and churches. Before the shift to gang capitalists, these younger members typically weren't involved in underground revenue generation. However, as more members had trouble finding legitimate work, the entrepreneurial activity of the gangs began to reach a wider segment of members. However, in these early years, the Black Kings considered themselves family, as expressed by the oath all members took. This stated, "Black Kings brothers must join as one to resist the oppression that faces all black youth. With this oath you have found a new family, a brotherhood that will always be with you" (Venhatesh & Levitt, 2000, p. 439).

Evaluation:

One of the most interesting facets of Venhatesh and Levitt's (2000) research is their unique access to the financial records of the Black Kings, for four years. This research positions gangs beyond simple criminal actors and instead sees them as outlaw corporatists. Furthermore, credit is given to the complexities of Chicago's street gangs. These are not only the loosely connected groups of hooligans often associated with gangs, but instead these are well-run, highly organized groups that are excellent examples of the changes that were being made in American businesses. Hierarchical administration, rational management procedures, and increased attention to revenues and profit margins shed light on the modern street gang as a force very similar to mainstream corporations. As such, their presence too not only shapes the members involved in the organization, but also the communities and society as well. This is in contrast to much of the past research that has focused on how street gangs are in contrast to social norms. However, in the rise of the capitalistic gangs, one sees an echo of the same transformation in organizational process happening in American business.