What is a gang?

Gang is a group of people who share identity and common purpose. The term has become specifically associated with street gangs that they organize for the purpose of carrying out illegal activities that may vary from inciting conflicts with other gangs to drug trafficking. For this reason, people tend to be careful how they use the word "gang" to ensure that people know what group they are discussed. For example, historically groups of people who worked in construction were known as "gangs" and this use became less common to avoid confusion.

Defining a gang can be difficult because the term has fluid and often changing meaning. In general, most of the definitions include the idea that the gang is somehow organized, often with clear leaders and hierarchy, and that members are gathering to meet regularly and perform different activities. Shared identity of gang members can be based on ethnicity, culture, class, religion or other common thread that allows peoplefind something interest in yourself.

In the sense of gangs committed by violence, the idea of ​​an ancient gang and many cultures has sufficient historical examples of gangs. In the 20th century, gang violence became an important question for many people, especially in urban areas where large gangs composed of minorities and poor individuals worsen the quality of life for many inhabitants. These street gangs, as they are known, are infamous for committing violent acts and participating in the activities of dubious legality.

At a smaller level, school gangs have what some people consider to be members of the gang in training, people who attract gang lifestyle at an early age. People who want to see a reduction in gang violence and gang culture often try to pay attention to the development of school gangs and provide alternatives to young men and women who may feel bored, restless or frustrated in the school environment to prevent them from connectingLeaf gangs as they ripen.

street gang members may decide to identify with nicknames, tattoos, specific slang, distinctive graffiti brands or specific styles of dresses. However, not all gangs identify with obvious symbols, especially highly organized gangs dealing with drugs, weapons and other illegal materials, and many minority group members complained that the enforcement is focused as "gang members" for wore bad clothes or in the wrong way.

Leaving the violent gang can be very difficult, especially for members who are deeply involved, rather than at the edge of the gang. In communities where gang violence is the main problem, service organizations often offer help people who want to leave gangs; Such assistance can range from vocational education to eliminate tattoos.