Issue
The current paper proposes discussion on the issue of gangs and gang-related violence among Hispanic high school students in Brownsville, Texas. In my home state of Texas, this problem is taken very seriously. The issue under discussion is supported by Brown and Benedict’s (2009) recent study of fear of gangs among Hispanic youths. Their research focused on young adults who live in a Hispanic community dominated by a significant population of immigrants. Such immigrants are usually stereotyped as members of gangs, hence the fear of gangs. Based on prior research analyses, the problem under discussion can be related to gender, acculturation, and victimization – each of them in a different way. Findings of the study showed that fear of gangs and fear of gang-related violence was more common of young adults with less acculturation, whereas fear of theft was higher among female students. Also, victimization is a concern of those youths who were victimized by gang-members previously.
Solution
My recommendation is to improve the situation of acculturation in Hispanic community of high school students. Limited acculturation means that immigrant students may feel socially isolated and less privileged than their counterparts. Because of it, the Hispanic youths feel more vulnerable to crime. Although, most of them speak Spanish in their homes and use media in Spanish, the classes in schools are taught in English. Brown and Benedict (2009) refer to special education programs administered with the aim to help the students improve their English proficiency. I would suggest that the school officials implement a comprehensible integration plan with a special focus on education for Latin American immigrants. This could help them to find more secure jobs in future.
Question
In which way can you assess the level of fear of gangs among the ‘vulnerable’ group of Hispanic students?
Reference
Brown, B., & Benedict, W. R. (2009). Growing pains and fear of gangs: A case study of fear of gangs at school among Hispanic high school students. [Electronic Version]. Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice, 5(2), 139–164.
