Q2 - What role does violence play in street drug gangs studied by Venkatesh and Levitt?

Question 1

What are the roles of violence within drug gangs for street dealers? (Levitt & Dubnar 2000)

Answer 1

Roles of violence: (Levitt & Dubnar 2000)

• Fight for territory
• Enforce Discipline
• Street dealers to compete in the TOURNAMENT and gain reputation, promotions, and deter potential challenges.

Question 2

What are the costs of violence in drug gangs? (Levitt & Dubnar 2000).

Answer 2

Costs of Violence that reduce profit margins (Levitt & Dubnar 2000):

• Buying weapons to enforce violence and defend against violence.
• Costs of providing services to the families of gang members by paying for funerals, etc.
• During gang wars there can often be price cuts therefore loss of profit margin.