Youth in Gangs

Gangs will continue to be an issue for the community. Anyone can form a gang and get involved. A youth gang, according to The National Youth Gang Center, is defined as a self-formed association of peers, anywhere from 3 or more members, that shares the same name and sense of identity. They have some degree of organization and highly engage in delinquent activity. Research, based off of large longitudinal studies, does show that numerous risk factors are likely to predict if a youth will join a gang.  These risk factors are grouped into 5 areas: individual, family, school, peers, and community. The higher the number of risk factors from each area, the higher the chance the youth is at risk of joining a gang.  

Those who affiliate with gangs are more likely to face problems in school, commit more crimes, and become victimized.  School engagement percentage, as far as attitude toward school, other student, and faculty, are lower compared to non-gang youth at the state and local level. A smaller percentage of gang youth feels safe at school. They are more likely to have school problems and difficulty getting along with the faculty and other students.

Surveys done at the national level shows that youth involved in gangs do demonstrate higher delinquent and violence acts. For example, 62% have reported to engage in serious fights one or more times compared to 18% of non-gang youth.   21% of gang youth have shot or stabbed someone versus 1% for non-gang.

You assume that gang members join gangs because of protection and safety.  It is the idea that someone has my back.  However, gang members are actually more likely to be victimized compared to non-gang youth at the national, state, and local level.  They are at a higher risk to be threatened or injured with a weapon.  Gang affiliation does make you more probable to be targeted by other gangs.

Clearly, these facts and statistics show that youth who join gangs are more likely to engage in criminal activities and have more problems in school.  Youth who affiliates with a gang only makes it worst on their behalf.  Sending them home and a phone call to the parent won’t fix the problem. Frustration can led them to not caring about school and dropping out. They will need the extra assistance so they can understand and learn.  With nothing but time on their hands, it could lead them to carrying out more delinquent acts. School, secondary to home, is a huge component of the youth’s life.  It is where they learn how to interact with other people and become knowledgeable in society.   

Reference:

Glesmann, C., Krisberg, B., Marchionna, S. (2009). Youth in Gangs. Who is at Risk?.  Focus Views from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.  Retrieved from http://www.nccd-crc.org/nccd/pdf/Youth_gangs_final.pdf