Discussion
The growth of youth gangs around the United States is well documented. Between the early 1970’s and present day, youth gangs have been sited in all fifty states. As crime related to gangs continue to be a problem within communities, people are beginning to hold a strong belief that youth gangs are a serious problem because areas with more gang activity are reporting higher rates of violent crimes committed by these gangs. It is important to understand why juveniles are becoming …show more content…
Juveniles and young adults do not just commit a disproportionate number of offenses; they also have an impact on overall trends in crime (Blumstein & Wallman, 2000). It is important to understand the amount of influence our communities have on juveniles. Today, it seems that guns and drugs are easier to access than it may have been in the past and juveniles are involving themselves in more frequent crime. According to Mares (2010), youth gang members are more likely to engage in delinquent behaviors than those who are not involved in gangs.
Research has shown gang issues are involved more in urban areas. Social disorganization is a prime example of this research. Although not all members of gangs are involved in serious violence crimes, violence does outline a major problem in urban communities. Juveniles turn to gang membership in these particular areas for protection. They feel that no one is there for them and they need to go out looking …show more content…
Importantly, it is imperative to understand that youth involvement in gangs can introduce a form of adolescent adaptation. For example, it may create peer bonds; provide safety and a remedy for boredom. Adolescence with anti-social behavior are prone to engaging in juvenile delinquency, they are influenced by their peers, and at times engage for a higher social status. Juveniles may feel the pressure to join certain gangs because their friends are already involved in