The influence of triad societies on the formation and operation of youth gangs in Hong Kong

Abstract

This is a qualitative research for studying the influence of triad society to the formation and operation of the youth gangs. The aim of this study is to find out what kind of influence that triad society brings to the youth gangs. The data collection of this research not only depends on the related literature and newspapers, but also based on in-depth interviews with retired police officers and social workers. There are some perception from population. Youth gangs have to bear the criminal record, be disturbed, even being discriminated since the triad society brings these influences to them. In Hong Kong 90s, Hong Kong movies have emphasized on the image of triad society, such as the series of “Ku Wad Tsai”. The movies may stereotype the triad society and youth gangs are negative, and reflected the unfavorable impression to the public. However, this research is focused on the formation and operation of the youth gangs. It is different from the previous research, and this research provided a new insight for the influences of the triad society on the formation and operation of the youth gangs. This research reveals that the youth gangs think that they can avoid the legal risks in the view of not joining triads because of they have a misconception. Secondly, the youth gangs actually become the ‘pawn’ of the triads since the operation of youth gangs had changed. Finally, the structure of the youth gangs may be destabilized. It is because the youth gangs are afraid of themselves being the next ‘scapegoat’ of triads when they saw their youth gangs members were arrested.