Urban Gangs Research Paper

Urban Gangs in the US
Danielle King
Everest University
Sociology
Individual Work Week 5
February 17, 2012

Abstract

The FBI defines a gang as "a group of three or more individuals bonded together by race, national origin, culture, or territory, who associate on a continual basis for the purpose of committing criminal acts" (Parker, 2007, p. 1). Since the mid-20th century, gang violence in this country has become widespread—all 50 states and the District of Columbia report gang problems, and reports have increased for 5 of the past 7 years (EMT.org, 2010). Gang members generally come from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds where there is a breakdown in family and community cohesiveness. Youth see the gang…show more content…
Conflict theorists regard power and social inequality as the main characteristics of society (Henslin, 2011). Most gangs fit into the conflict theory because of their lack of material possessions. They largely are coming from a working poor or impoverished background, lacking the education and financial advantages of the upper classes and the status that these bring. The struggle for resources is generally unavailable to barrio youth through the normal social channels offered to middle and upper class citizens in the US. Lower class youths may choose to join a gang and participate in deviant behavior with the belief it will help to increase their chances of obtaining property and the social prestige otherwise felt unobtainable because of social positioning (Howell,…show more content…
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