Why People Join Gangs
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.
From Research Review: Gang Violence and Prevention by Mary H. Lees,
M.A., Human Development Department; Mary Deen, M.A., Extension Youth
Development Specialist; and Louise Parker, Ph.D., Extension Family
Economics Specialist; Washington State University.
