Gangs: Why People Join Them and the Typical Gang Member

Egley and Arjunan (2002) report that the National Youth Gang Survey if 2000 revealed that there are several reasons why young people join gangs. These reasons include a search for love, and belonging and the need for some sort of structure and discipline. Often, young people want a group that they can commit to. There can also be a need for recognition and/or power, companionship, excitement, and activities. In some cases, teens are looking for a sense of self-worth, status, and acceptance. Others see the gang as fulfilling their need for physical safety and protection. For others, it is just a matter of 'family tradition.'

Typical Gang Members: Age, Race, Gender, Culture

Edgar (2004) points out that gangs are not just a big city problem. Rural areas also have gangs. Further, gangs are not restricted to a particular race or culture; rather, gangs cross ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, gender and geographic boundaries. However, Edgar also states that there are some typical socio-demographic p

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Approximate Word count = 853
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page)

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