London gang culture rises by 600% in some areas
15th May 2009
Vittoria Ardino, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at London Metropolitan University, is currently undertaking exciting research regarding the escalating trend of youth-on-youth crime.
Gang culture in the UK has been on the rise for a number of years. Indeed since 2000 some areas in London have become increasingly problematic and gang-related attacks have risen by an astonishing 600% there.
Vittoria’s research reveals that British communities are struggling to rein back the increasing number of children turning to gangs and drugs.
'Teens join gangs for a variety of reasons. Some are seeking excitement; others are looking for prestige, protection, a chance to make money, or a sense of belonging, some are even forced to join,’ she explains.
Vittoria’s research will not just analyse UK gang culture; she will travel to other European countries and to Latin America where she will be exploring how different cultures influence teen delinquent behaviour.
Cultural influences, as well media influences, contribute to the complex nature of gang culture explains Vittoria. She says ‘Real life gangs are very complex social networks with unclear and constantly changing boundaries that require a broader scope of understanding'.