Mexican American Girls and Gang Violence Beyond Risk

This book focuses on the vulnerability of beyond-risk young females connected to male street-based youth gangs involved in violence, drug use, crime and sexual behavior. Special attention is given to partner violence experienced by these girls embedded in Mexican American communities with persistent poverty and weak community institutions. Unlike other studies on gang girls, this book describes the relationships of girls with others in the community, including family members and peers. The book draws attention to how gender roles reflect a family-ethnic culture and community complex. Valdez takes the perspective that there are multiple-level factors that are continually interacting and exerting influence on an individual's susceptibility to these deleterious behaviors.

Dr. Avelardo Valdez is currently Professor at the Graduate College of Social Work and Director of the Office for Drug and Social Policy Research at the University of Houston.  A primary focus of his research has been on the relationship between substance abuse and violence among Mexican American high-risk groups.