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News

Book examines why girls join gangs

Prof says he hopes his recent study will shed light on the often misunderstood subject of ‘beyond risk' teens

by SHEREE STUBBLEFIELD
The Daily Cougar 

The word "gang" is usually associated with males, but a UH professor is looking to shed some light on the female gang member experience with his latest book. 

Social work and sociology professor Avelardo Valdez said he wants to bring about positive change with Mexican-American Girls and Gang Violence: Beyond Risk, which was published in January. 

"These are the kids that need the most help. They are demonized by the media. We need to try and humanize this," Valdez, who has taught at the University for five years, said. "Hopefully (the book) will influence people to develop programs for these girls."

Valdez emphasized the importance of girls considered "beyond risk." Most anti-gang programs are aimed only toward at-risk individuals, and because of this young girls may find it difficult to get proper help. 

Valdez said he was surprised to learn that girls would join gangs young, usually around 13 years old. He began conducting research to find out why. The project took more than two years and included 150 interviews in San Antonio. 

"Unemployment, poverty, bad schools, police … (the girls) are embedded in communities with all types of problems," he said.

Young women with a strong mother-daughter relationship were less likely to join gangs, he said, and emphasis should be placed on developing that bond. 

Gang participation can lead members to sexual activity, violence, drug use and leaving home before completing high school, Valdez said. 

"These marginalized communities associate with adult and peer networks involved in drugs," he said. "There is an absence of pro-social adults."

Although Valdez's research focuses on Hispanics, he said gang issues transcend racial boundaries. 

"It's multi-generational behavior," he said.

Valdez hopes professors will use his work to highlight the often misunderstood nature of gang life. 

"You would think there's little hope. That's not true," he said. "We can make changes. These were fairly intelligent girls with limited options."

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