Introduction
Getting engaged in a gang is an important, potentially life-changing event. The reasons that make any single person join a gang are personal and multifaceted. Currently, there has been an increase in the rate of female arrest and female gangs both in violent offenses and in breaking of law willingly. This paper will examine the girls in gangs.
Personal reactions to 8 Ball Chicks book
The book that is entitled 8 Ball Chicks: a year in the violent world of girl gangs illustrates how girl gang individuals are mostly as dangerous and emotionally closed off as their counterparts male gang members. The members of the girl gang are said to carry guns within their clothing and sharp equipment like razor blades within their bodies like in the mouth to defend themselves. In addition, these girls gangs are involved in carjacking, shootings, stomping outsiders who might attempt to get into the neighborhood, violently retaliate against other forms of gangs and fiercely protect their home territory (Sikes 1-4).
This book is an exception since it does not only illustrate the issues concerning girl gangs but rather it draws the differences which differentiate girl gangs from their counterpart’s male gangs. These differences include; teen motherhood, abortion, endless beatings, teen pregnancy and the sexual abuse where the individuals are forced into sexual activities with several male gangbangers especially during initiation. As a result, they end up bringing up children in a house with guns and drugs. Moreover, the teen mother has a part-time husband or boyfriend who belongs to the male gangbangers. Therefore, from the 8 Ball Chicks book, one realizes the dread and anxious desire to be respected and the situations which make most of the girls get involved in gangs. Thus, this is a book that helps one to understand the reasons that make most of the girls get involved in the gangs. Hence, one is in a position to comprehend the ways that can be implemented in order to assist such ladies leave such gangs.
Girls and gangs in American society
Since the year 1980 Americans have experienced an increase in the rate of girls who are involved in gangs. Currently, girls are getting involved in violent crimes compared with the past. In the past girls used their counterpart males in order to get into crimes but this no longer exists. Most of the girls who get involved in crimes or gangs belong to unstable and invisible home surroundings or an aggressive home life. Therefore, they engage in a system that will help them escape or run away from the abuse. In addition, gender norms and ethnicity might influence the behavior of the girl gangs (Belknap 34-45).
Dynamics of females in gangs to male gangs
Gangs are discussed and are of main importance because they are of social concern. Both males and females are involved in gangs. However, their dynamics vary greatly from each other. The behavior of males and females who engage in gangs is affected and their opportunity of maturing into law-abiding, traditional adults is ruined. A female gang might be allied or independent with the gang of a male or members of female gang might be incorporated into an entire gender-integrated gang. Therefore, male gangs are more energetic than female gangs since they can operate on their own without including any female into the gang while it is rare in the female gang. Similarly, female gangs are mostly found in rural areas and small towns or cities but male gangs are found both in small and big cities.
Reasons why girls join gangs
Though the reasons that make most of the individuals join any gang are personal and complex, most of the females might get involved in a gang for self-affirmation and friendship purposes. In addition, girls join gangs due to family and economic pressure. Economic and poverty marginality were related to the development of girl gangs during the 20th century. Nevertheless, between the years 1980 to 1990, the loss of several factory jobs in America made the situation worse where thousands of individuals lost their jobs. Therefore, due to economic pressures, most of the females joined gangs.
Similarly, girls join gangs because of peer pressure. Peer associations are one of the essential determining factors of one becoming a member of the girl gang. Getting involved in a girl gang might be a intentional and cognizant decision which mostly consists of the aspect of considering many options such as one remaining in the peer group versus leaving the group or getting involved in the gang or failing to join the gang. Past experience could also contribute to a girl joining a gang such as fear of being victimized or past victimization. In addition, girls might also join a gang in order to protect themselves from the neighborhood gangs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, girls who engage in gangs are predisposed to several risks such as early sexual activities, shortage, parental carelessness, early pregnancy, diseases, the need for supremacy, sovereignty and numerous other potential anticipations. The main factor that makes most girls get involved in gangs is a lack of education, services, and programs or projects which are gender-specific. Therefore, as long as there is ignorance of the needs of the girl child, female violence will persist.
Works Cited
Belknap, Joanne. The Invisible Women: Gender, Crime, and Justice. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2001.
Sikes, Gini. 8 Ball Chicks: a year in the violent world of girl gangs. New York: University of Michigan, 1998.