Root Causes/Critical Perspectives
Many researchers believe a root cause of gang membership is a lack of economic resources in communities with high gang involvement. For example, there are several factors that put a young person at a higher risk of gang involvement such as: violent family life, early dating (for girls), academic failure, and school safety. According to the National Gang Center, “Factors that contribute to a youth’s decision to join a gang fall into two categories: Youth may be “pulled” and/or “pushed” into gang membership. Pulls are features that attract youth. Gangs are often at the center of appealing social action—parties, hanging out, music, drugs, and opportunities to socialize with members of the opposite sex. In other words, a gang may be appealing because it meets a youth’s social needs. Moreover, there are protective factors that can prevent many young people from joining gangs even if they have the risk factors. These protective factors are pro social family, school, neighborhood, and peer environments, and individual characteristics.Many join gangs because they’re seeking protection and don't want others to harm them but to treat them the right way and not be bothered.
Many researchers believe a root cause of gang membership is a lack of economic resources in communities with high gang involvement. For example, there are several factors that put a young person at a higher risk of gang involvement such as: violent family life, early dating (for girls), academic failure, and school safety. According to the National Gang Center, “Factors that contribute to a youth’s decision to join a gang fall into two categories: Youth may be “pulled” and/or “pushed” into gang membership. Pulls are features that attract youth. Gangs are often at the center of appealing social action—parties, hanging out, music, drugs, and opportunities to socialize with members of the opposite sex. In other words, a gang may be appealing because it meets a youth’s social needs. Moreover, there are protective factors that can prevent many young people from joining gangs even if they have the risk factors. These protective factors are pro social family, school, neighborhood, and peer environments, and individual characteristics.Many join gangs because they’re seeking protection and don't want others to harm them but to treat them the right way and not be bothered.