Why Teens Join Gangs

Juvenile gangs are responsible for the rise in violent crime across the nation. In a March, 1996 study, DR. James Alan Fox, a Dean at Northeastern University reported that from 1985 to 1994, the rate of murder committed by teens, ages 14-17 increased 172 percent over previous years. So why do teens join gangs and involve themselves in risky behavior that can ultimately lead to incarceration, great bodily harm, or even death? Juvenile justice experts have been conducting studies for years in an effort to prevent delinquency in children.
Several studies over the years identified potential risk factors that could lead to gang involvement. Gender, race, and age, to name a few, and in addition, family factors ranging from family structure to socioeconomic status could influence gang membership (Vito & Kunselman, 2012). High risk factors include living in areas with easy access to drugs, living in areas with a high rate of single parent households, and being a male between the ages of 10 and 14 years (Vito & Kunselman, 2012). Delinquent peer networks and negative peer influences are also consistent predictors. Other factors include reactivity,

He believes that low self-esteem and poor relationships with family members, especially with parents, are some of the attributes of gang recruits. Teens involved in violence are also at risk of becoming gang members. Teens that do not have adult figures in their lives are also at risk. Teens that associate with gang members and other delinquents have a tendency to join gangs. Teens that perform poorly in school, and are lacking in skills, or interests that keep them occupied could also go down that road. Teens that are impulsive, exhibit poor conduct, and have a perception that they will be unable to secure a job and lead a productive life could be enticed at joining a