Social Disorganization and Gang Homicides in Chicago

Abstract

This study examines gang-motivated homicides in Chicago neighborhoods between 1985 and 1995. Qualitative studies have illustrated that gang-motivated homicides may have different characteristics than other types of homicides. Particularly at the neighborhood level, gang homicides have not yet been fully studied, and thus little is known about the interaction between gang violence and the neighborhoods they operate in. By examining the effects of social disorganization on both gang-related homicides and other types of homicides—such as intimate killings and homicides committed during street robberies—this study explores the relative uniqueness of gang homicides. Results indicate that social disorganization theory helps explain various types of homicides, including gang homicides. Nonetheless, gang homicides are also different from other types of homicides, justifying more research that looks at these homicides as a unique type of violence.