Real Gangstas: Legitimacy, Reputation, and Violence in the Intergang Environment Lauger, T. R. (2012). Real Gangstas: Legitimacy, Reputation, and Violence in the Intergang Environment. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press. In Lauger’s book, “Real Gangstas: Legitimacy, Reputation, and Violence in the Intergang Environment,” he examines the daily lives of primarily two gang members from the “DFW boyz,” which stands for “down for whatever.” The DFW boyz are located in Indianapolis, IN. Lauger conducted his ethnographic study of the gang during an 18-month period from February 2007 to August 2008. The primary focus of Lauger’s study was to examine how complex intergang actions influenced gang members’ behavior (Lauger, 2012, pg. …show more content…
The key landmark or area for the study was the intersection Keystone Avenue and Thirty-Eighth Street in northeast Indianapolis. This area of the city saw 16 homicides within one mile of the intersection. Additionally, this part of the city is home to only two percent of the population, but witnessed 14% of the city’s homicides in 2008 (Lauger, 2012, pg. 16). Neighborhoods near this intersection are more violent and are in poverty. Businesses located near the 38th street/ Keystone intersection reflect the limited financial means of the residents. The neighborhood is made up of mostly minorities with a median income of just $28,309. This information helps the reader understand the area for which the gang operates …show more content…
Much of a gang member’s identify is built on their reputation and their recognition as a legitimate gang member. Lauger (2012) states that the DFW boyz maintained their reputation my encouraging violence, intimidation tactics, and taking part in a wide range of criminal behavior. Lauger further expands upon the principle of legitimacy by focusing on the notion of what a “real gangsta” is in the eyes of the DFW boyz. While, age, organization, and boundaries all helped to legitimize gang status, the DFW boyz believed by claiming gang status, they should be recognized for their status (Lauger, 2012, pg. 112). Legitimacy was seen a way for the DFW boyz to set their place in the inter gang environment. Lauger made strong points about the importance of legitimacy within the gang