We hypothesize the failure of government to protect the rights of individuals from violence committed by youths has led to the formation of youth gangs as protective agencies. Our theory predicts an opposite direction of causality between gang activity and violent crime than is widely accepted....

Cover -- Contents -- 1 Introduction -- PART I: TRENDS IN MACROECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND YOUTH VIOLENCE -- 2 The Net Effect of the Business Cycle on Crime and Violence -- 3 Are the Criminogenic Consequences of Economic Downturns Conditional? Assessing Potential Moderators of the Link between...

Frontmatter -- Contents -- 1. Introduction -- 2. The Net Effect of the Business Cycle on Crime and Violence -- 3. Are the Criminogenic Consequences of Economic Downturns Conditional? -- 4. Economic Conditions and Violent Victimization Trends among Youth -- 5. The Nonlinear Effect of Neighborhood...