Why Do Young People Join Gangs?

Young people join gangs for a variety of reasons, some of which are the same reasons children join other pro-social groups such as 4-H and Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.

Some of the reasons for joining a gang may include:

• A search for love, structure, and discipline

• A sense of belonging and commitment

• The need for recognition and power

• Companionship, training, excitement, and activities

• A sense of self-worth and status

• A place of acceptance

• The need for physical safety and protection

• A family tradition

Risk Factors for Joining a Gang

• Racism: When young people encounter both personal and institutional racism (i.e., systematic denial of privileges), the risks are increased. When groups of people are denied access to power, privileges, and resources, they will often form their own anti-establishment group.

• Poverty: A sense of hopelessness can result from being unable to purchase wanted goods and services. Young people living in poverty may find it difficult to meet basic physical and psychological needs which can lead to a lack of self-worth and pride. One way to earn cash is to join a gang involved in the drug trade.

• Lack of a support network: Gang members often come from homes where they feel alienated or neglected. They may turn to gangs when their needs for love are not being met at home. Risks increase when the community fails to provide sufficient youth programs or alternatives to violence.

• Media influences: Television, movies, radio, and music all have profound effects on youth development. Before youth have established their own value systems and are able to make moral judgments, the media promotes drugs, sex, and violence as an acceptable lifestyle.

Protective Factors

• Well-developed social and interpersonal skills

• High sense of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and personal responsibility

• Reflectivity, rather than impulsive thought and behavior

• Internal locus of control (i.e., the belief of being able to influence environment in a positive manner)

• Flexible coping strategies, well-developed problem-solving skills and intellectual abilities

Gang Prevention

Youth gang involvement is not a new phenomenon in the United States. Gangs have been known to exist in our country since the 18th-century. Philadelphia was trying to devise a way to deal with roaming youth disrupting the city in 1791. According to the National School Safety Center, officials in New York City acknowledged having gang problems as early as 1825. The gang problem is not likely to go away soon or to be eliminated easily.

Here are a few gang-prevention strategies:

• The family and the community are essential to the development of the child's social, emotional, and physical needs. If the family is the source of love, guidance, and protection that youths seek, they are not forced to search for these basic needs from a gang. The family and community share responsibility for teaching children the risk of drugs.

• Strong education and training are directly related to a youth's positive development. Young people who successfully participate in and complete education have greater opportunities to develop into reasonable adults.

• Graffiti removal reduces the chance that crimes will be committed. Since gangs use graffiti to mark their turf, advertise themselves, and claim credit for a crime, quick removal is essential.

• Conflict resolution programs teach gangs how to deal better with conflicts and help eliminate gang intimidation tactics.

• Recreational programs such as sports, music, drama, and community activities help build a sense of self-worth and self-respect in young people. Youth involved in such activities are less likely to seek membership in a gang

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