Division inside Barrio 18 gang in El Salvador: An anthropological view

<p>This article’s general objective is to provide a prelimary examination and analysis of the process through which Barrio 18 split into “los Sureños” and “los Revolucionarios”.<br />The methodology this study was based on, used specialized techniques such as document<br />review and in-depth interviews. This work starts from a previous effort, in which, through a holistic vision, gangs or maras are understood from four different perspectives: 1) Their organizational structure; 2) Their composition; 3) The nature of their actions; and 4)<br />Their set of values and socio-cultural norms. The definition of gang as a key category as far as their identity is essential. The need to build a holistic definition of gang is meant to “tone down” gang member’s criminal activities, as well as to “over-criminalize” gangs.</p><p>Revista Policía y Seguridad Pública 5(1) 2015: 149-178