Why Are Criminals Become Criminals In A Gangs?

When asked, many people would describe that criminals become criminals in a gangs by making choice. The general public believes that when it comes down to it, each criminal weighed the options and chose crime. It’s simple for them; it’s a yes or no answer. This is classical theory, “that people choose to act badly, to hurt others or themselves. Solving crime means first changing what is inside people’s heads.” This states that people have free will to do whatever it is they please; illegally and/or legally (DK, 2013). Recently, however, in the study of criminology many scientists have begun to argue that other major outside influences were affecting crime. Social Structure Theory became a main source for reason. Social Structure theorists
Gangs can be dated as far back as the 1850’s. The rush of immigration created the tension that is explained through Social Structure theory. The early immigrates, such as the Irish, Italians, Jews and many other groups grew up in the conditions of being shunned (Malone, 2010). Living a life defined by Social Structure was all they had for the future. The culture of gangs continued through tradition and common practices. “Gang violence in America is not a sudden problem. It has been a part of urban life for years, offering an aggressive definition and identity to those seeking a place to belong in the chaos of large metropolitan areas...” (Reichert, 2005). Social Structure theory believes that criminality is a result of a criminals’ lack of being able to achieve goals through legal means (Cooper, 2011). Neighborhoods with gang influence were typically already struggling; allowing the gang culture to thrive. Social Disorganization explains why this is. Once the neighborhood is struggling, people become frustrated with their lives. The gangs offer means to an end for them. Gangs will offer them more than legal means could, as Strain theory explains this. Finally, once a gang has offered the basic needs and the person is no longer frustrated the gang will offer them a spot to belong and achieve status. These theories bring light to the factors from the outside – money issues, relationships, responsibilities- that push people into crime. People need to belong, feel safe and secure, and feel successful with their life. Day to day life does not always offer them those needs, in turn making people choose other outlets that will. Gangs are a major premise for the needs to be fulfilled that many people lack. Gangs remove the despair and hopelessness in people’s lives by offering the needs the person has. Gangs address many of people’s basic