Stephanie Cerda

September 21, 2014

Girls in da Hood: A Sociological Analysis of Women in Street Gangs
Primetime LIVEs Girls in da Hood provides an exemplary illustration of the interplay
between macro and micro level influences on social dynamics and social control. The
aforementioned video depicts two young women from different street gangs in East Los Angeles:
Jokie, a member of the Drifters and Mara, a member of Tepa 13. The video provides an in depth
account of the womens roles within the gang unit, their justifications for violent activity, and
their perception of social control. Throughout the video, Jokie and Mara introduce the audience
to their hoods which they regard as a source of stability and belonging. Additionally, they
describe the hierarchy and function; enforcement of discipline; and rules of respect within the
gang unit. The video further exemplifies how the Drifters and Tepa 13 define and uphold gang
loyalty through deviant acts whilst perceiving them as normal. This cultural transmission and
differential association of gang violence is evidenced by the members justifications and
nonchalant attitude about murder and death. Moreover, the success and cohesion of the gang
depends on each member fulfilling his or her function, irrespective if lives are lost in the process.
Informal social control, such as gang signs, jump-ins, and leaders nods, as well as formal
social control depicted by cops, are portrayed in the video. Overall, Girls in da Hood provides
its viewers with a better understanding of the interplay between various sociological elements,
specifically as it pertains to deviance and social control.
Theorists may view Girls in da Hood through different sociological lenses and thus
conclude that street gangs play different roles and/or functions in society. For example, Auguste
Comte would focus on the interconnectedness of social elements that shape the gang units.
Focusing on social statics, he would declare that order is maintained through the roles members
of each gang play as well as the impact of the gang on society in general. The evolution of and
changes within the gang unit, according to Comte, would represent social dynamics.
Interpreting the video through the Conflict Perspective, Karl Marx would focus on the
macro level influences that shape the gang unit and the broader social context in which it
prospers. Because street gangs are typically formed in lower class cities and thrive off minority
members, Marx would perceive them as being the proletariat whereas those who enact laws
against gang activity may be perceived as the bourgeoisie. If Marx were to take in an depth look,
he would also notice that these elements apply within the gang unit itself. For instance, gangs are
structured according to hierarchy and power, where those in power (leaders) determine the
distribution of resources and roles (drugs and street soldiers, for example). Gang leaders define
and regulate rigid rules and thus have the power to call a hit or a beating. Additionally, Marx
would perceive gang leaders as the bourgeoisie and street soldiers as the proletariat. Power and
authority define the former, whereas the latter are defined by how well he or she conforms to this
ideal. Tension between rival gangs may also be implicated in Marxs view of this video,
especially since these rivalries are fueled by the struggle for resources (drugs) and power.
Conversely, Emile Durkheim would focus on the overall function of the street gang
which would be defined by the various functions each member fulfills. According to Durkheim,
fulfillment of each role would maintain the social order of the gang and thus maintain its
stability. Durkheim would agree that street gangs function in a way that promote stability and a
sense of belonging for its members. The members shared values engender solidarity and
reinforces respect and loyalty. Durkheim would further argue that deviance will be defined by
the gang as a whole and sanctions will be implemented to maintain the stability and livelihood of
the gang unit. For example, in the beginning of the video, Mara describes an incident in which a
Tepa 13 member was beaten by fellow members due to a violation of a gang rule. Durkheim
would view this as a necessary tool for promoting the gangs social order by sending the clear
message that consequences will ensue if its stability is jeopardized.
The paradigm that is best represented in Girls in da Hood is Functionalism. Looking at
the macro level influences, it is apparent that gangs play a function in society. Gangs can
promote fear but can also serve as the voice and protectors of the underdog. According to Jokie
and Mara, their loyalties translate into the protection of their hoods and those who live in their
vicinity. Hence, non-gang members residing in the hood benefit from protection. Within the
structure of the gang, various positions elicit different functions. The leaders function in a way
that ensues stability, cohesion, and prosperity of the gang as a whole. Their second in command
reinforces this stability by ascertaining rules are respected and the distribution of drugs (which
function as gang currency) runs smoothly. Street soldiers are the foundation of the gang and thus
play a pivotal role in the social order of the gang. Each street soldier carries with him/her a
specific function, whether it is to complete a hit or sell drugs, for example. If one of these
members is unsuccessful in his/her role, the stability of the gang unit is jeopardized. The social
integration of the gang unit depends on the function of its members and the function they provide
to society in general.
The aforementioned described Girls in da Hood and sociological factors that are
represented in the video. Although various elements interplay to define and form the way street
gangs function, it is important to remember that both macro and micro level factors are at play
and interconnect to formulate the prosperity of these gangs.