Jollel Jankowski's Island In The Street: Gangs And Urban Society

The boundaries between classes have always been a prevalent issue since their start. The natural human desire to influence and rise in status is the reason for the competitive nature of human society. The lowest classes in society are neglected and treated unfairly, which is the reason for the tension and increasing number of violent encounters. When entire governments treat and view lower class areas as if they were all criminals or using unnecessary force causes them to want change and will protest and often riot. The segregation of this group of people, as Jankowski mentions in interviews, that they feel ostracized and forming gangs gives them a desire and a feeling of belonging, and for adolescents can give at least the appearance of protection.
Martin Sanchez Jankowski is a well-respected sociologist who researches and teaches at the University of California Berkley. He is the author of one of the most important books about gang life in modern day society called,
Islands in the Street: Gangs and American Urban Society. This book uncovers many aspects of gang life, and real experiences that only someone who has been through can describe. Jankowski writes …show more content…
Uncovering the truths these people endure and decisions that lead up to their joining the gang, this book is unique in its directly personal approach to the reader. It is a lively, and fascinating novel that continues to be a primary source for any sociological study on gang life. Jankowski presents the gang and its members not as pathological departures from social norms, but as shrewd and resourceful operators. Never showing negative judgment toward any of the gang members during his writing, Jankowski’s book will continue to provide detailed information, and is seen as one of the most note worthy in the field, just like Martin Sanchez Jankowski is in the sociological