gangs

Question 1

how do gangs develop

Answer 1

• I urban neighborhoods with weal family controls, high poverty, and social disorganization, youth form friend groups
• unsupervised group youth activities can lead to minor delinquent acts
• conflict between youth groups and between you and adult authority solidify group identity
• illegal activities escalate, providing social status, respect, financial gain, fun, and excitement

Question 2

why do youths join gangs

Answer 2

rational choice view-
- economic benefits
- protection
- social support and belonging
- peer or family pressure
- masculinity
Anomie/alienation view
- alienation from society and family leads to gang involvement
Socialization/social learning/diff asoc.
cultural deviance
trait view

Question 3

criminal and violence

Answer 3

• members of youth gangs commit more crime than any other group of youths
• more likely to be violent, carry weapons, commit homicide
• violence is used to increase gang cohesion, maintain the gangs internal discipline, and prestige crimes

Question 4

life course consequences

Answer 4

• adolescent membership in gangs has long lasting effects over the life course
• higher participation in street crime
• higher arrest and incarceration
• limits opportunities for adult success in major conventional social roles
• the longer they stay in the gang the worse their life chances become