Questions for: S. Venkatesh (2008). Gang Leader for a Day. New York: Penguin.
Thinking about the Black Kings' gang in the Robert Taylor Homes, a) is this a criminal enterprise?; b) is it organized crime? why or why not?; c) is it a community organization?; d) what governmental functions does it carry out, and why? Give specific examples.
Summarize the main threads in the relationship between the Black Kings in RTH and the community leaders. Give examples.
The "real" meeting following the shooting (pp. 108 on) represents an example of neighborhood justice. What makes this work?
How effective do you think the police are in responding to violence in RTH? Why?
When Sudhir tried to be gang leader for a day, what were the main lessons he learned about what is required for an effective gang leader?
Are the gangs described more about honor or more about business? Explain. Give examples. What are the implications for prevention?
Describe the Black King's organizational structure, from top to bottom, being as clear as you can about the geographic reach at each level, and the specific roles carried out by gang members at the very local level.
Do you think the BKs protects the community? Why or why not? Give examples.
Do you think the BKs add value to the community? Why or why not? Give examples.
How would you summarize the main structural differences between a chapter of a formal organization, and the BK's organization at RTH?
What was the main lesson learned from the voting registration drive?
What would it take to prevent, in a situation like RTH at the time of the field work, assuming there were no gangs there, to prevent the emergence of a gang?