The young generation usually forms a group or network based on their interests. It is a normal thing for every society that young people are gathered together for a certain purpose. However, some organizations and groups are involved in criminal activities that are against the law and are being a threat to society. ‘Gang’ is the word which is used in order to describe such an organized group of, usually young, people with certain purpose and values. The formation of gangs is a very complex process, which can be viewed and discussed from various points of view.
From an anthropological perspective, gang formation usually happens spontaneously and is integrated into society via a conflict. Conflict is the key factor, which constitutes the formation of gangs. Fighting against other gangs and the world gives the excitement and thrilling experience that the ordinary social establishment is unable to provide (Fleisher, 2018). The sociocultural side of gang formation is mainly related to the poor conditions of the gang member. The isolation from the rest of the world due to economic limitations and drug use pushes the groups and organizations to create their own cultural practices that would give them identity and status within society.
Psychological perspective to the formation of gangs includes the reasons why the young generation are willing to become a member of the group. The main reason for becoming a member of a gang is that youth think that gangs can provide them with things they believe are not able to get from the ordinary social establishment. Mostly the reasons are financial benefits of gangs via illegal activities, drugs, and alcohol, which is forbidden. Also, gangs are able to guarantee protection to their members in a way the police are unable or not willing to provide.
References
Fleisher, M. S. (2018). The History of Gangs and Gang Research. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice.