Gangs in the United States

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The nature of violence within America is a part of the history that unfortunately in present day has given our country a negative image. In our society gangs have developed due to social injustices not only through unfairness of economics but also justice as a whole. Majority of the youth living in societies affected by socio-economic troubles are disconnected from traditional forms of social and interpersonal support systems, like family and school, and are at greater risk for joining a gang. It’s not unusual for a teen interested in joining a gang to have a relative who's currently involved with a gang or has been in the past. Some gangs appeal to a teen’s longing for protection, recognition or social status that he or she thinks they cannot earn elsewhere. When a teen first joins a gang, the group is likely to satisfy his or her social needs. However, they also may be encouraged to become more antisocial and hold antisocial mannerisms, beliefs and attitudes for the benefit of the group so they can remain in the gang and receive the perceived benefits. The conflict in which I believe to be at the heart of the creation of gangs begins with the location, lifestyle, crime rate, race, and economic situation of this certain ethno-cultural community. The factors and root of a an individual joining a gang may be due to high levels of poverty, peer pressure, boredom and even despair in their living situation. Gang violence is a problem in every major city in the United States and membership is on the rise.
In America the geographic location and demographic factors of a community, in this particular case an ethno-cultural community is crucial because it shapes the kind of upbringing that forms our central identity. The location of neigh...

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... on teaching a variety of skills, as well as offering mentorship and counseling for at risk youth. Unfortunately, the little evaluation that has been done has found this program to be of only limited benefit. Still, with increased awareness, creativity, community engagement, and more programs like the Harlem Children’s Zone, we may yet reduce the severe damage gangs have inflicted on our communities; one city block at a time.

Work cited
Web

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. “Children and Gangs” Aug 2011 https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Facts_for_Families_Pages/Children_and_Gangs_98.aspx “Psychology Today”. Muller, Robert. Poverty Broken homes, Violence: The Making of a Gang Member, Aug 23, 2014
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/talking-about-trauma/201308/poverty-broken-homes-violence-the-making-gang-member

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