Through a sociological lens, when it comes to juveniles joining gangs there are many factors to take into account that influence this aspect of joining. When a juvenile decides to joins a gang he encounters personal contentment on the following areas; acceptance, sense of belonging, success, personal support, power, control, and an essence of family bond that supports that juvenile and is viewed as a valuable member of the group. A main theory that helps explain why juveniles join a gang was learned from class lectures and the textbook, which is the shaming theory. Shaming theory consists of two different types, and the one that is prevalent to this issue is called disintegrative shaming theory. Juveniles join gangs for a number of different
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In particular, the conception of labeling and the returned appraisals of society can conceive a guilty self that will push the juvenile further into criminal behavior. According to the textbook, Matsueda 1992; discussed that juveniles take highly into account what their parents view them as, and this could either be a benefit or will cause a negative impact on the juvenile’s life. Meaning that most juveniles are minorities of lower class and the aspects around them force many to turn to the gang life. Depending on what demographic you live or hangout in the gang life indeed can be forced upon or embedded in a juvenile. For example, youth gangs run throughout the state and many cities are known to have a gang problem, such as Chicago and Los Angeles. Unfortunately, some juveniles growing up not knowing any better, and believe this to be the norm in life. With that comes along the relationship the gang and community have. Gangs are often known to serve as carriers of traditions in many communities, and even culture. Although being a gang member is seen as deviant, to that juvenile the gang is all he or she may have. The community the gang serves in becomes their safe haven, and as previously mentioned juveniles need that sense of security and belonging that they lacked from their household. Another aspect of gang affiliated minority communities is the fact that they are targeted by police. Police routinely go into these communities and neighborhoods, and often use race as a way to “help” them recognize gang
In particular, the conception of labeling and the returned appraisals of society can conceive a guilty self that will push the juvenile further into criminal behavior. According to the textbook, Matsueda 1992; discussed that juveniles take highly into account what their parents view them as, and this could either be a benefit or will cause a negative impact on the juvenile’s life. Meaning that most juveniles are minorities of lower class and the aspects around them force many to turn to the gang life. Depending on what demographic you live or hangout in the gang life indeed can be forced upon or embedded in a juvenile. For example, youth gangs run throughout the state and many cities are known to have a gang problem, such as Chicago and Los Angeles. Unfortunately, some juveniles growing up not knowing any better, and believe this to be the norm in life. With that comes along the relationship the gang and community have. Gangs are often known to serve as carriers of traditions in many communities, and even culture. Although being a gang member is seen as deviant, to that juvenile the gang is all he or she may have. The community the gang serves in becomes their safe haven, and as previously mentioned juveniles need that sense of security and belonging that they lacked from their household. Another aspect of gang affiliated minority communities is the fact that they are targeted by police. Police routinely go into these communities and neighborhoods, and often use race as a way to “help” them recognize gang