Recent Department of Justice figures indicate that there are currently over 26,000 gangs involving over 800,000 members active in virtually every community in the nation (Decker, Melde & Pyrooz, 2013). Traditionally, a large presence of gangs have been found in the more specifically poor neighborhoods, however, gangs have now reached across territorial boundaries into the more affluent and isolated rural communities. Beyond engagement in illegal activity, and the economic rewards that brings, gangs provide a sense of power, belonging, and recognition for their members (Johnston, 2013). This paper will compare and contrast a traditional gang (The Outlaws Motorcycle Club) with a neo-traditional gang (Zoe Pound).
Introduction After a brief decline, gang activity has begun to increase in the United States. This activity has become prevalent in all four major regions of the United States (Howell, 2012). Gangs have continued their
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The 1%ers have the believe that 99% of motorcycle gangs are law-abiding citizens, where the 1% have “anti-social attitudes and engage in a variety of deviant behavior and criminal activities” (Shields, 2012). To be eligible for membership, applicants must be White men over the age of 21 and also be in possession of an American motorcycle (preferably a Harley Davidson) (NDIC, 2002). Wolf (1991) insists that members see themselves as “loners and define their organizations as mutual protection associations of like-minded isolates”. The loyalty, respect, and honor that members of the club have to each other and for each other are evident in the lengths that members are willing to go. This often encompasses violent actions to avenge acts of disrespect. The club has created a sub-culture of violence and criminal activity. Each chapter has an inner circle of members who are much more aware of the extent and details of the club’s criminal