So why do young people join gangs? For the exact same reasons kids join pro-social groups like 4-H and Boy or Girl Scouts:.
- A sense of belonging and commitment .
- A sense of self worth and status .
- A place of acceptance .
- The need for physical safety and protection .
- A family tradition .
Across America people are afraid. This fear isn't restricted to those living in the disadvantaged neighborhoods in our large cities, but extends to suburban communities, small towns, and even rural areas. The violence epidemic of the 1990's signals a general breakdown in the social order. There seems to be no safe places; the violence extends into our homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces, and the perpetrators are often relatives, friends, or acquaintances of the victim. So much of the violence seems petty and senseless with such a disgusting disregard for human life. And both perpetrators and victims are increasing in our adolescents and children.
Young people aren't born into gangs, there are certain risk factors involved. Factors like racism, poverty, and even the media. When groups of people are denied access to power, privileges, and recourses, they will often form their own anti-establishment group. A sense of hopelessness can result from being too poor to buy wanted goods and services. And finally, television, movies, radio, and music all have profound effects on youth today. Before they have established their own value system and are unable to make good moral judgement, the media promotes drugs, sex, and violence as an acceptable lifestyle. What we need to ask ourselves is: .
*Are today's youth more violent? .
*How do we prevent them from joining gangs? .
*What are some possible solutions? .
In the past ten years, there has been a substantial increase in the violence rates for adolescents. There has been a small increase in the proportion of adolescents involved in some type of serious violent offending.
