Triadization of youth gangs in Hong Kong
Author(s)
Date Issued
2012
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Journal
The British Journal of Criminology
Volume
52
Issue
3
Start page
556
End page
576
Abstract
In Hong Kong, youth gangs are heavily influenced by triad societies, and the present article examines how young people are ‘triadized’ through three main channels during their participation in gang activities. First, the spider’s web structure absorbs young people into the gang and then ties them into a triad big brother and follower relationship. Second, triad elements and knowledge are transmitted via routine activities of the youth gang. Third, the tacit but very much enforced norms and controls of a youth gang lead its members to conform to triad commands and assimilate triad values. It is concluded that triadization of youth gangs provides new blood to triad societies that continue to survive across different generations over time.
SFU Affiliated Publication
No
Availability at SFU Library
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