Youth Street Groups in Spain: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Gender Differences

Youth street groups (YSGs) are a source of concern in Spain, given the perception of a recent increase in adolescent participation in such gangs. However, evidence suggests that juvenile delinquency has significantly decreased in this country over the last decade and there is little research, in fac...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Baz Cores, Olalla (Author) ; Bartolomé Gutiérrez, Raquel (Author) ; Fernández Molina, Esther (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2025
In: Journal of contemporary criminal justice
Year: 2025, Volume: 41, Issue: 4, Pages: 751-766
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
ISRD
street gangs
youth street groups
Juvenile Delinquency
Description
Summary:Youth street groups (YSGs) are a source of concern in Spain, given the perception of a recent increase in adolescent participation in such gangs. However, evidence suggests that juvenile delinquency has significantly decreased in this country over the last decade and there is little research, in fact, on YSGs and their relationship with juvenile offending. This study aims to explore these groups in depth using the school-based sample collected in Spain during the last three waves of the International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD). We examine trends in YSG membership and juvenile delinquency, and analyze several variables related to both phenomena, thus shedding light on the delinquent behavior of boys and girls involved in YSGs. The results of the last wave indicate that 10.56% of adolescents meet the Eurogang criteria to be considered members of a YSG. Those who belong to YSGs are more likely to have delinquent peers, to have more contact with the police, and to live in neighborhoods with higher levels of disorganization. However, belonging to YSGs is less likely among males, second-generation immigrants, and youths who are more supervised by their parents. Although YSG membership is associated with delinquent behavior, juvenile delinquency is not exclusive to gang-involved youth. We discuss the significance of these findings and their implications for understanding the group dynamics of both girls and boys.
ISSN:1552-5406
DOI:10.1177/10439862251367594