Cultural and Social Factors and Vietnamese Gangs

Abstract

Although Vietnamese criminal activity is not yet organized in the sense of the Cosa Nostra, Vietnamese gang leaders are working with other Vietnamese criminals in this country and abroad and actively recruiting Vietnamese juveniles. Alienated from their homes, schools, and society, Vietnamese juveniles join gangs as a result of a distinct pattern of cultural and social problems that drive them onto the streets where they find themselves under the domination of Vietnamese adult criminals known as Big Brothers. Any effort on the part of individuals or institutions to reduce Vietnamese criminal activity in general must address the specific cultural and social problems confronting juvenile Vietnamese because they are at the business end of an expanding global network of crime.