Gang Affiliation Sociology

There are many overlapping themes and ideas present within the research report and the textbook. One main idea that was present in both documents, was the cultural aspect of gang integration. In both the textbook and in the research report, culture is intrinsically linked to gang involvement, as often times the culture that an individual practices will impact their standing within a gang. Furthermore, culture binds people together, which also happens when an individual joins a gang of like-minded and culturally similar others. Another area that was discussed in both documents, was how gang activity is related to school. In the textbook, school and other educational and institutional systems either excluded youth, or were simply not attended

Some youth grow up in an area where gangs are a way of life. Being in a gang can be seen as a way to earn money or many other things that may be needed. Members may feel as if they get better shelter, clothing and overall a better lifestyle by joining a gang mainly because they feel as if they can depend on other members to provide them with what they need, in order to feel a type of success and to feel as though they have status. Being apart of a group like this gives them a sense of honour and may give them the feeling of meaning on their life to be a part of something. They may also take pleasure in being feared around people in this way they feel as though they cannot be downgraded back to the low class that they originated

We have discussed gang affiliation and the social factors underlying their deviant behavior, however, the motives for why people engage in this deviant behavior have different sociological theoretical explanations. I will use the following theories to interpret and analyze this cause of deviance.

In most cases, it appears that, gang members use their association to make a revenue to function through illegal activities, such as selling drugs and auto theft. Due to this activity in certain areas, it is often easier for these kids to join the gang than to remain vulnerable and unprotected in their own neighborhoods.

Lastly, gang prospects adhere to a gang by either committing a crime or undergoing an initiation process where they are beaten by fellow members of the gang to test their courage and fighting ability in times of great stress. Once the initiation process is over and now the prospect is a full acting member of the gang, then the destruction of the environment and deterioration of the mind truly begins. It is not realistic to catalog all actions committed by criminal street gangs as it is simply too much to account for, in fact, many gang activities are shared by a large portion of American society. But, when a gang is combined with a party, a car wash, or even a family or neighborhood picnic, the danger of gang outbreak for violence and criminal

Youth face many issues today that past generations didn’t have to worry about. One of the main issues facing youth today is gang affiliation. There are several reasons as to why youth ( children between the ages of 11 to 25) decide to become active members in gang life. We believe that youths join street gangs for economic advancement, social acceptance, and cultural force.

Finally, there are the organized criminal groups whose motive of committing crimes is for personal gains and this may likely be their main occupation. These organized criminal groups base their operations in the illegal market place(le.ac.uk, n.d).Gang crime is an issue of concern which touches many aspects of a society. Not only is it a social problem but also a political as well as an economically related issue. The most affected are the young people who have increasingly joined gangs due to many factors personal, familial or social. This case study will discuss this topic in relation to the different findings on the trends, causes and the responses to alleviate gang crime.

While there is no one definition, criminologists have agreed to define gangs via six characteristics that are expected to make up a gang. A self-formed association of peers is the first characteristic of a gang, it includes a group of peers who choose to form up to acquire what they otherwise couldn’t without the gangs’ formation. Secondly, gangs are bound by mutual interests that they strive for together. Third, well-developed lines of authority and other organizational features with clear distinctions between leaders and members and their different roles. Next, is working together as a group to achieve a specific purpose and be successful without being caught. Penultimately, gangs involve criminal activity, committing crimes and engaging in delinquency. Lastly, gangs control a particular territory as their own as a way to show dominance and increase in power.

There are many factors that contribute to youth joining gangs. Children who are raised in a single-parent household, multiple family/foster home transitions, or come from low income homes have a higher risk of participating in gang activities (Howell, 2010). Growing up with a disadvantage these children struggle in school due to poor concentration, attention deficit and low intelligence (O’Brien, Daffern, Chu & Thomas, 2013). Alongside with education, they also have behavioral issues of violence and aggression which makes it difficult to get along with fellow peers (O’Brien, Daffern, Chu & Thomas, 2013). This rejection tends to lead to low self-esteem, anger, self-harm, drugs and vulnerability. Hence

Gang involvement among youth is a growing concern for communities as well as the criminal justice system. There are several complex reasons youth become involved with gangs (Merrin, Hong, & Espelage, 2015). The use of illegal drugs and alcohol have been linked to predispose youth to illegal actions as well as violent crime, consequently, this activity can easily guide a youth into a gang life. Further reports state gangs are formed within communities that are unsafe and disadvantaged. A need for acceptance, the longing for belonging, as well as the sense of family, is among the leading reasons that youth join gangs.

Gangs are becoming prevalent in today’s society and within our schools. More and more young people are turning to gangs in an attempt to escape their everyday lives and the future, which they perceive as dismal and bleak. They are initially attracted to the prestige and cash flow, which is glamorized by the street gang. Many gangs are actively involved in criminal misconduct, such as drug and gun trafficking, burglaries and homicides. However, street gangs are not just a criminal justice issue, but a social problem, which is triggered by poverty, peer pressure, boredom, despair and lacking a sense of belonging.

Gangs serve as a family structure, means of acceptance, identity and protection. For underserved youth it's easy to run towards any outlet where there is food, shelter and protection. So, the choice some face of being hungry and possibly being killed by violence with no protection or joining a gang, getting fed, and possibly being killed by violence with more certain protection; the situation isn't good either way. However, gangs are offering what one can’t get or struggles to receive in return for loyalty. There is also the money and instant gratification that not only appeal to the youth but to older males as well. The monetary benefits are tempting in economically disadvantaged areas despite the corrupt means to get it.

For a number of years the author worked with young people in what society now term as ‘gangs’, and the youth justice system and as a result was able to solicit individual perspective as to why young people get involved in anti-social youth behaviour, more commonly referred to as ‘gang’ crime. What became evident, was there is no answer that fits all, but are inclusive of the following:

Gangs are very appealing to youth where gangs thrive because they fulfill the need for attention and the need to belong. Identity can be gained in the gang culture along with friendships and the closeness that lacks in a child’s home. Gangs fulfill survival functions for youths by becoming family and earning living through illicit activity. (Hess, 2011) There are many theories and methods that can be used in the situation of disorderly youth.

A study conducted at the University of Southern California found that in America, ninety-four percent of the country’s major cities and over one thousand cities all together have recorded gang activity in their communities. But, what is a gang? A gang is a group of people whose members recognize themselves and are recognized as such by their community. Characteristics of a gang are a recognized leader or group of leaders; membership with initiation requirements and rules for its members; owned territory; standard tattoos or clothing; standard colors; private slang; and a group name (Vollmer).” Why do most adolescents join gangs? The structural and psychological factors, lack of love and protection. Viewing gang banging as a game, and the media (music and television) are all answers to this question. But, not only adolescents join gangs. Grown men and females also initiate themselves into these so called “families”.