Urban tribes, family, sectarianism and delinquency.

Abstract

This article addresses the phenomenon of youth gangs or urban tribes; and the possible parallels with sects known as «destructive.» It is based upon the perspective of juvenile justice; and it analyzes and compares the features and elements defining doctrinal sects and urban tribes. We conclude that there are great similarities between the two types of groups, mainly in their styles of members-assimilation and in the types of individuals found within them. This article also discusses various profiles of children assimilating into skinhead and Latino gangs, as well as a case of murder by members of a youth gang.