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The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
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School Violence

Gangs and a Culture of Fear

Douglas E. Thompkins

University of Illinois-Chicago

Recent media coverage of isolated acts of violence committed by students on school property has increased concern about school violence. Reports documenting higher levels of school violence in the face of a general decline in crime rates, together with several high-profile cases, have resulted in a reactive preventive security response. Congress has passed several initiatives aimed at reducing levels of school violence. Gangs and gang activity within our nation's schools are often linked to increased levels of school violence, but little explanation has been offered for this increase. Greater security measures have been taken by school administrations in response to the problem, and, while these may reduce levels of school violence in some communities, they can also help to perpetuate a culture of fear that has been created by intense media coverage of such violence. The presence of security officers, metal detectors, and security cameras may deter some students from committing acts of violence, but this presence also serves to heighten fear among students and teachers, while increasing the power of some gangs and the perceived need some students have for joining gangs.

The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 567, No. 1, 54-71 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/000271620056700105
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