The Importance Of Understanding Gangs

A proper understanding and perception of gangs requires an understanding of when a group turns into a gang. Additionally an understanding of the significance of the gangs’ characteristics is required. Understanding gangs is a crucial step in being able to reduce the violence and inequalities all around the world. This is because gangs are a global phenomenon and they are the voice of the millions of individuals that are marginalized.

Understanding Gangs Gangs have been a subject of interest for decades, but to this day there is still no agreement upon a single and universally accepted definition of a gang. Even though there is no single definition there is commonly used criteria for classifying a group as a gang. In order
The group may then commit delinquent acts together but are generally unorganized and are highly transitory (Howell & Griffiths, 2016). At this time the gang is not a formal organization and lacks permanence. As a result their delinquency is not recurrent or violent (Howell & Griffiths, 2016). The gang only becomes a real gang when it makes a commitment to the emphasis of criminal activity. This is the final step in the formation of a real gang because the group transforms from an unstructured group committing sporadic crimes to a structured gang with planned crimes (Decker & Winkle, 1996). Conflict then helps define the boundaries of the gang and strengthens the ties between the members of the gang because it unites them against a collective threat. When a gang becomes a genuine gang it is at this time when they become a great concern as a threat to society. The formation, expansion and the consequent actions of gangs greatly affect society. It has been consistently found that gangs are normally linked to serious crimes and violence (Decker, Melde & Pyrooz, 2013). As these gangs become constant and stable fixtures in their community they become a permanent option for marginalized
By doing this gangs are creating resistance identities. The resistance strategies that they are implementing may try to fulfill economic or political needs and may develop a distinctive identity through specific characteristics, symbols and rituals. Understanding the characteristics of gangs is significant in order to truly understand gangs. The depth and complexity of their alienation can only be completely understood by understanding their subculture identity. Understanding gangs means understanding them as social actors. This is critical in being able to create the proper policies and social movements (Hagedorn, 2005). Without a proper understanding of gangs the reduction of violence and inequalities will not be