Gang Membership and Acculturation: ARSMA-II and Choloization

Abstract

Choloization, a staple in gang research on Latinos, asserts that gang members are less acculturated than non-gang members. However, the concept has not been subjected to a quantitative analysis. Using a sample of Latino incarcerated youths from Los Angeles County (N = 370), the veracity of the concept of choloization using the ARSMA-II Acculturation Scale is examined. It was hypothesized that gang members have more of a Mexican orientation than non-gang members. The hypothesis was supported, providing empirical evidence for choloization. The authors suggest that the findings can assist in delinquency intervention but caution that the results can also further disenfranchise Latino gang members.

Acculturation, Social Context, and Drug Use: Findings from a Sample of Hispanic Adolescents

“…A fewer number of studies have examined acculturation relative to criminological variables including gang membership (Lopez and Brummett 2003;Miller et al 2009), domestic violence victimization (Hazen and Soriano 2007), and fear of crime (Brown and Benedict 2004). Collectively, these studies have indicated that higher levels of acculturation or assimilation are associated with a greater likelihood of negative outcomes.…”

Engendering Immigrant Psychology: An Intersectionality Perspective

“…While various consequences exist for those who occupy marginalized social positions in institutional contexts, marginalized group members are particularly adept at identity negotiations (Boykin 1988;Lopez and Brimmett 2003;Mahalingam 2007a;Root 1999;Suarez-Orozco and Suarez-Orozco 2001). While discussing specific factors pertaining to ethnic minority children's identity development, Boykin (1988) indicated that minority children have faced a "triple quandary" where they are expected to negotiate cultural expectations of dominant culture, minority culture and their own ethnic culture.…”

“…While discussing specific factors pertaining to ethnic minority children's identity development, Boykin (1988) indicated that minority children have faced a "triple quandary" where they are expected to negotiate cultural expectations of dominant culture, minority culture and their own ethnic culture. Lopez and Brimmett (2003) have studied whether social marginalization experienced in the form of alienation and disenfranchisement is a major contributing factor for the group cohesion of gang violence among Latino youth incarcerated in Los Angeles county. They found that gang members felt more marginalized and maintained a Mexican orientation than non-gang members.…”

Relationships with adults as predictors of substance use, gang involvement, and threats to safety among disadvantaged urban high‐school adolescents

“…To understand this problem, we considered demographic factors and the functions and reasons for attraction to gangs. Poor adolescents~Ruble & Turner, 2000!, members of ethnic minorities~Belitz & Veldez, 1994Lopez, 2003;Portes & Rumbaut, 2001!, and increasing numbers of preadolescents~Bureau of Justice Assistance, 1997! have been attracted to and recruited by gangs.…”