Gangs, Drugs and Youth Adversity

The longitudinal elements of the empirical data set combined with contemporary insights into the views and experiences of young people in Glasgow make the book’s focus unique.

In Glasgow street gangs have existed for decades, with knife crime becoming a defining feature.

Revisiting the young men interviewed in Deuchar’s original fieldwork over a decade later, this book ascertains how early exposure to gang culture and weapons acts as a path to wider types of offending. Reviewing case studies of violence reduction intervention strategies across the city, it provides a critical analysis of the underlying structural issues which remain unchallenged.

Through empirical data, policy analysis and contemporary insights into the views and experiences of young people, this dynamic book explores the evolving nature of gangs, knife crime and street violence in Glasgow.

About the Authors

Ross Deuchar is Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice within the School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, UK, and Affiliate Research Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University, USA.

Robert McLean is Lecturer in Criminal Justice and Policing in the School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland.

Chris Holligan is Professor of Education in the School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland. His academic publications embrace the disciplines of sociology, education, psychology, criminology and history.