Criminal Gangs

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a detailed examination of how and why criminal gangs are formed. The writer uses theories of conformity and the elements of family life that contribute to the willingness of a teenager to join a gang and perform illegal acts. The paper explains that gangs act as one unit in many instances though they are individuals who commit the actual acts of crime. The paper points out that there are several social theories in operation when young men join gangs, with the main reason being the need to conform and not feeling like they fit in elsewhere.

From the Paper:

"Law enforcement officials are often faced with crimes that have been committed by gang members. The crimes can range from petty to extreme and can include everything from vandalism to murder. A teen girl who is almost abducted by a gang stands a chance to have serious harm committed to her because of some of the elements that cause gangs to form and to act once they are formed. There are many social theories that work in tandem when it comes to a gang and its members, and the combination of those theories provide the foundation that the gang is based in."

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