Gangs in America is a growing and epidemic social problem in the United States (Alleyne & Wood, 2014). Interest in gang activity is not new as research dates back to the early 1900’s (Decker & Van Winkle, 2012). Gang culture and perspective has changed throughout the years as well as the age of its members. Alleyne & Wood (2014) suggest that gang membership in the United States is starting as early as twelve years old. Psychosocial development occurs during the adolescent years and this is the time period where distinctive identities are shaped and formed (Decker, Moule & Pyrooz, 2014). There are five different categories that youth can fall into that raise their risk for involvement in gang activity (Melde, Diem & Drake, 2012). Youth gang
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Generally research shows the risk factors fall into five different categories: individual, family, peer, school and community (Melde et al. 2012). This research also suggests that while examining each of these categories individually, it is important to note that the highest probability of gang involvement is when an adolescent fits into one or more categories. Furthermore this research conducted examined youth and risk factors in each risk category, resulting in youth that who fit into seven or more risk factors presented as 13 times more likely to joining a gang. In comparison youth who met four to six risk factors presented as five times more likely to joining a gang. Overall it was concluded that growing risk is related to gang involvement with youth who fit into one or more risk categories. Melde et al. …show more content…
(Alleyne & Wood, 2014). Yiu & Gottfredson (2014) state that when defining gang membership, ethnicity is not what does so. Instead the research shows that youth gang membership tends to mirror the ethnic background of the community or neighborhood involved. In respect to the same research Yiu & Gottfredson (2014) go on to state that although gangs are more likely linked to the ethnic structure of the community or neighborhood involved, Latino and African American youths report participation in gang activity more than Asian or White youths. According to Baker (2011), gang membership is not affiliated with certain races, yet youth of all races have become involved in gang life. Furthermore, this research states that although gangs may consist of youth with a particular race, gangs are more likely to replicate the race within the community it resides
Generally research shows the risk factors fall into five different categories: individual, family, peer, school and community (Melde et al. 2012). This research also suggests that while examining each of these categories individually, it is important to note that the highest probability of gang involvement is when an adolescent fits into one or more categories. Furthermore this research conducted examined youth and risk factors in each risk category, resulting in youth that who fit into seven or more risk factors presented as 13 times more likely to joining a gang. In comparison youth who met four to six risk factors presented as five times more likely to joining a gang. Overall it was concluded that growing risk is related to gang involvement with youth who fit into one or more risk categories. Melde et al. …show more content…
(Alleyne & Wood, 2014). Yiu & Gottfredson (2014) state that when defining gang membership, ethnicity is not what does so. Instead the research shows that youth gang membership tends to mirror the ethnic background of the community or neighborhood involved. In respect to the same research Yiu & Gottfredson (2014) go on to state that although gangs are more likely linked to the ethnic structure of the community or neighborhood involved, Latino and African American youths report participation in gang activity more than Asian or White youths. According to Baker (2011), gang membership is not affiliated with certain races, yet youth of all races have become involved in gang life. Furthermore, this research states that although gangs may consist of youth with a particular race, gangs are more likely to replicate the race within the community it resides