Open AccessThis 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”. The methodology this study was based on, used specialized techniques such as document 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) 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.
Revista Policía y Seguridad Pública 5(1) 2015: 149-178