Why Do Young People Join Gangs?
The factors that influence youth to join gangs can vary; however, there are identifiable risk factors and motivations that encourage youth gang involvement. These include individual factors such as peer pressure, family conditions, lack of school achievement, and community turmoil.
(http://www.ncpc.org/programs/teens-crime-and-the-community/publications-1/adult2-pdf)
INDIVIDUAL FACTORS:
Youth who are delinquent and involved in violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and promiscuous sexual activity have a higher incidence of gang membership. Youth who seek money, power, recognition, and excitement are also more likely to join gangs.
PEER PRESSURE:
Youth who are associated with and intimidated by delinquent friends are at risk of gang involvement.
FAMILY CONDITIONS:
Youth who lack protection, affirmation, and a stable family structure are inclined to join gangs. Moreover, youth who have gang-involved family members are likely to continue the gang tradition.
LACK OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT:
Youth who are truant, lack scholastic achievement, and are viewed negatively by educators are likely to further their delinquency via gang involvement.
COMMUNITY TURMOIL:
Youth who regularly see or experience poverty, drug abuse, and are frequently exposed to gang activity may glorify the gang lifestyle and feel compelled to join a gang. Youth who feel unprotected in their neighborhood may be promised safety by gang members.
n(http://www.ncpc.org/programs/teens-crime-and-the-community/publications-1/adult2-pdf)
