Gangs Research Paper
Strain Theory:
A Theoretical Explanation of Gangs
Gangs in America
Gangs as a problem
Gangs have produced a culture of their own; surprisingly similar to many other groups in mainstream society. Religious, political, and special interest groups can all be compared to gangs and their ideology. Typically, groups are born through a shared idea or goal by similar individuals. Many ideas may be radical or may not follow the “norms” set by mainstream society. Conflicts between groups are neither rare nor uncommon because of the simple fact that not all ideas will be shared by everyone in society. In history, the basis of many wars has been mainly caused by religious differences. A similar comparison can be made between gangs and the other members of society. Different groups in society have different ways of achieving a variety of set goals such as money or status. Gangs do not have the same means of achieving wealth, happiness, respect or social status as mainstream society does. These ideas of innovation are a result of gang members rejecting socially accepted means but accepting the ends or set goals. Deviant behavior has developed in gangs because of their way of obtaining money and status. Mainstream society has set the example that a “successful” individual in life will conform to the idea that many years of education will lead to a career which will essentially provide a steady income. In theory, gangs resort to violence and criminal activity because of their rejection to socially accepted, mainstream goals. For example, as the unemployment rate increases, research has found that property crime increases as well. Gang members, as mentioned by Bobrowski’s studies, contribute mostly to Part II offenses such as property crime. In addition, Reiner mention’s that one of the three realities of life that drive gang crime is unemployment. With this evidence we can conclude that there is a positive correlation between gang crime and mainstream
A Theoretical Explanation of Gangs
Gangs in America
Gangs as a problem
Gangs have produced a culture of their own; surprisingly similar to many other groups in mainstream society. Religious, political, and special interest groups can all be compared to gangs and their ideology. Typically, groups are born through a shared idea or goal by similar individuals. Many ideas may be radical or may not follow the “norms” set by mainstream society. Conflicts between groups are neither rare nor uncommon because of the simple fact that not all ideas will be shared by everyone in society. In history, the basis of many wars has been mainly caused by religious differences. A similar comparison can be made between gangs and the other members of society. Different groups in society have different ways of achieving a variety of set goals such as money or status. Gangs do not have the same means of achieving wealth, happiness, respect or social status as mainstream society does. These ideas of innovation are a result of gang members rejecting socially accepted means but accepting the ends or set goals. Deviant behavior has developed in gangs because of their way of obtaining money and status. Mainstream society has set the example that a “successful” individual in life will conform to the idea that many years of education will lead to a career which will essentially provide a steady income. In theory, gangs resort to violence and criminal activity because of their rejection to socially accepted, mainstream goals. For example, as the unemployment rate increases, research has found that property crime increases as well. Gang members, as mentioned by Bobrowski’s studies, contribute mostly to Part II offenses such as property crime. In addition, Reiner mention’s that one of the three realities of life that drive gang crime is unemployment. With this evidence we can conclude that there is a positive correlation between gang crime and mainstream
References: Akers, Ronald K., (2009). 'Social Disorganization, Anomie, Strain Theories '. In: (ed), Criminological Theories. 5th ed. New York, New York: Oxford University Press . pp.182-210. Higgins, George E., (2011). General Strain Theory, Peer Rejection, and Delinquency/Crime. Youth Society. 43 (4), pp.1273-1297 Murphy, Daniel, (2008). The Maximizer: clarifying Merton’s. Theoretical Criminology. 12 (4), pp.501-521 Poutvaara, Panu, (2007). Unemployment and Gang Crime:. Iza. (2710), pp.1-15 Shelden, Randall G., (2004). Youth Gangs in American Society. 3rd ed. Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Sheley, Joseph, (1995). Gang Organization, Gang Criminal Activity, and Individual Gang Members ' Criminal Behavior. . Social Science Quarterly. 76 (1), pp.53-68