What does it take to truly understand a gang from the inside? How far would you go to gain that knowledge? Sudhir Venkatesh spent years immersed in the world of the Black Kings, a Chicago street gang. His experience, detailed in Gang Leader for a Day, offers a unique glimpse into gang life. He lays out the challenges and ethical dilemmas he faced during his research. Read on to dive into a world where academia meets the streets—and where trust can be both a lifeline and a burden.
How Sudhir Venkatesh Won a Gang’s Trust & Managed the Risks
![How Sudhir Venkatesh Won a Gang’s Trust & Managed the Risks a sketch of four gang members wearing winter clothes talking in an alley in a city](https://www.shortform.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/four-gang-members-talking-in-an-urban-alley-750x350.webp)