Gang Violence Sociology

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Gang violence continues to be a widespread growing problem across the United States. Papachristos (2005) estimates that there are more than 731,500 gang members in the United States today. In order to fully understand the complexities of gangs, one must understand the cultural characteristics that make up each gang. Defining gangs has been a primary focus of gang researchers for many years (Fox & Lane, 2010). Fox and Lane (2010) define street gangs as a durable, street-oriented group with a primary involvement in illegal activity. Research emphasizes the importance of differentiating gang types to help focus law enforcement efforts where they would be most effective; however, there are many dilemmas in identifying and categorizing gangs …show more content…
Many would agree that a major indicator of why young people may engage in gang activity and delinquency is the family itself (Young, Fitzgibbon, & Silverstone, 2014). Familial structure, composition, as well as overall quality of relationships have all been studied in attempts to understand what leads to criminal behavior and gang involvement. Many argue that gang involvement begins at home with troubled families; however, research has revealed that other variables play a role in gang involvement, such as: poverty, boredom, negative school experiences, lacking employment opportunities, institutional racism as well as oppression (Fox & Lane, 2010). Others joined simply for entertainment, respect, protection, and money (Fox & Lane, 2010). Young, Fitzgibbon, and Silverstone (2014) explain that when some children experience trauma and hostility in their upbringing, the psychological effects can prompt future gang membership (Young, Fitzgibbon, & Silverstone, 2014). Studies by Beare and Hogg (2013) find that gang membership seldom provides the supportive, family type setting that attracts many youth but instead they are often characterized with tension and …show more content…
Phillips (2012) discusses gangs within the prison as criminally oriented individuals who control the prison environment through intimidation and violence. Phillips (2012) explains the Black Kings Nation (BK), a gang based within and outside the Illinois State penitentiary. The BK’s operated with the approval of prison officers who would transport small amounts of drugs, pass messages inside the prison, contact family members and pass directions to gang members outside of the prison (Phillips,
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