Human beings have a tendency of operating together in groups, especially for people with similar characteristics. In many parts of the world, the youth identify themselves with those people who are immediately in their vicinity. As a result, many juvenile gangs have sprouted in many parts of the world. A gang can be defined as a group of people especially the youth who have common characteristics, mostly against what is considered as proper behavior in society (Siegel & Weish, 2010). Contrary to ancient gangs, nowadays gangs are more organized and large. Besides, the gangs have resulted to recruiting minors, making them a disaster in the waiting. However, in order to understand what society can do to save juvenile gang members, it is paramount to understand why the youth join these gangs and the key issues associated with juvenile gangs.
Young people need society to be close to them every time (Goldson, 2011). Therefore, any breakdown in the family or lack of cohesiveness in the society makes the youth feel neglected. As a result, they will turn to any place where they can get people who listen to them for their psychological satisfaction. Unfortunately, only gangs are ready and available to offer this kind of comfort (Goldson, 2011). On the same note, people from financially unstable backgrounds find it difficult to provide for their children. Consequently, adolescents and young adults are forced to start looking for jobs at tender ages. However, without credentials it is hard to get well paying jobs. Consequently, the youth are compelled to join gangs since they provide easier means of getting money. Furthermore, the problem of drug abuse compels the youth to join various gangs.
It should be noted that gangs have different structures and objectives. Some gangs operate in groups with a primary aim of making profits. The hierarchy of authority in these groups is vertical which in many instances, makes them highly elusive from law enforcing agencies (Chaskin, 2010). On the other hand, there are gangs which have minimal control over individual members and are quick to engage in violent activities. Furthermore, there are gangs which are not organized at all and the driving force for members is the need to belong to a certain group. Contrary to the first two types of gangs, it is very easy for one to get out of this gang (Siegel & Weish, 2010).
Young people join gangs because the society is unable to provide them with a trusting relationship. Therefore, it is very important for every member of the society to show love to the youth from very tender ages; five years if possible. In this regard, cohesion in the society is very crucial to provide the youth with a sense of belonging (Chaskin, 2010). Moreover, parents are advised to take up their roles seriously. Much as the parents have to work to provide for their families, it is important that they find time for their children and guide them. Most importantly, the way other gang members are treated by society after leaving their gangs, highly determines whether in the future many more will be willing to leave or not (Goldson, 2011). If those who have left various gangs are warmly received back to society, shown love and are not discriminated or stigmatized, many more will be willing to assimilate back to society. However, if society becomes cruel to those who want to assimilate back, the youth will be skeptical about their steps to leave the gangs (Chaskin, 2010). Consequently, it is upon the society to ensure that the youth can get what they go to look for in gangs. The issue of juvenile gangs is a reality of life, and the earlier it is addressed the better.
References
Chaskin, R. J. (2010). Youth Gangs and Community Intervention: Research, Practice, and Evidence. New York: Columbia University Press.
Goldson, B. (2011). Youth in crisis?: Gangs, Territoriality and Violence. New York: Taylor & Francis.
Siegel, L. J., & Welsh, B. C. (2010). Juvenile Delinquency: The Core. Stanford: Cengage Learning.