Stanley \"Tookie\" Williams\' Gang Prevention

¶ … Stanley "Tookie" Williams' Gang Prevention Books on Pre-Adolescent Boys

One of the biggest problems facing American society today is gang violence committed by youthful offenders. Furthermore, studies have shown time and again that such activity remains on the increase, and even small towns, communities and suburbs in the United States are being affected by gang activity. The implications of this persistent presence of violence in American society has had a profound effect on the nation's youth as well, with many young people being drawn to this lifestyle as the only perceived viable career path available to them, while others may be attracted by the glamorized "gangsta" lifestyle popularized in today's music. Young people may commit acts of violence in an effort to emulate gang members or in an attempt to gain membership, with such acts of violence being almost always directed at the most helpless members of a population. Equally important has been the impact of gangs on the young people who elect not to become gang members, since these students may be intimidated by existing gang members or become increasingly fearful that gang-related violence will affect them personally at some point during their lives. The costs associated with gang violence are enormous, and include increased costs for healthcare, security in educational settings and the costs associated with incarceration for those who become subject to the criminal justice system. One author who has experienced these adverse effects first-hand is Stanley Williams, a Nobel laureate nominee and author of a series of eight readers aimed at urban youth on how to avoid becoming involved with gang activity. The purpose of this study was to determine how young people and their teachers perceived these readers and their impact on their beliefs about gangs and people who join them. A critical review of the relevant literature and an analysis of the results of interviews with six students and teachers are used for this purpose. A summary of the research, salient conclusions and recommendations are provided in the concluding chapter.

Impact of Stanley "Tookie" Williams' Gang Prevention Books on Pre-Adolescent Boys

Dissertation Proposal

CHAPTER I: The Problem

Introduction

Problem Background

Literature Review

Purpose of the Study

Research Questions

Limitations/Delimitations

Definitions

Importance of the Study

CHAPTER II: REVIEW of the LITERATURE