exactly a gang member, as they often exist across and between gang lines (Spergel 84). Nevertheless, the floater still commands high status and respect from other gang members. The floater often sets up meetings between gangs. These meetings may, for example, set up drug deals, gun deals, or just encounters between friendly and opposing gangs. Floaters, In other words, command high respect from other gang members for their special skills and abilities to set up meetings between gangs. A floater may serve as a family friend or neighbor to the gang family hierarchy.The next level of the gang hierarchy is that of the wannabes. The wannabe is, in actuality, the child of gang life. Actually, this is very fitting, as the wannabe group is mainly comprised of young children and teenagers. The wannabe or recruits are, more often than not, younger, aspiring, potential gang members (Spergel 84). This group services the needs of the group through theft and drug sales. However, this does not follow that of a normal family. In a normal, or non-dysfunctional, family the parental figures are the breadwinners. Conversely, in a gang setting, the children are actually the breadwinners. This role reversal is extremely interesting.The final, or third level, of the gang hierarchy is comprised of the veterans. The veterans are old gang bangers who are no longer active in gang involvement, but still serve as important, symbolic reference persons(Spergel 84). The veterans command a high amount of respect for their previous efforts to help the gang. Moreover, a veteran who has served time in prison for their efforts to help the gang is almost revered as a demi-god. The veteran serves as that of a grandparent. In other words, the veteran no longer mettles in the day to day activities of the gang, but still serves to influence the gang from previous occurrences that serve to teach the new members of the gang. Like most families, gangs have sets ...
