INTRODUCTION
An individual’s motivation to join a gang is a phenomenon that has been very difficult to nail down because it is an evolution, one in which many scholars may attempt to explain away as either an adolescent identity crisis, or one being a product of their socioeconomic environment. Solutions to the problem of gangs lie in gaining more knowledge about childhood tendencies and predispositions that facilitate gang recruitment. You will soon learn, that the fact remains; gangs tend target members based on characteristics that the gang feels will further their goals and add to their size and stature.
Before continuing with this discussion, please watch the following video. Note the content in this material is mature and may be disturbing. It should be given serious consideration and treated with due diligence.
National Gang Center. (2021, April). Why Youth Join GangsLinks to an external site. [Video]. https://nationalgangcenter.ojp.gov/video#why-youth-join-gangs
INSTRUCTIONS
You are now ready to research what it means to be a gang member. Research at least three gangs to gain insight into what makes them tick, do they subscribe to blood in and blood out, do they have a philanthropy component, etc.
After you have conducted your research share with the class the gangs your researched and what you learned. In your post make sure you highlight at least the following:
What characteristics does the gang have to entice youth?
What types of youth are most vulnerable to each gang that you researched and why?
What do you see a youth perceiving as a benefit from joining the gang?
When posting to your peers talk about similarities and differences in the gangs you researched. Do the gangs have different targets?
