Gang crimes

Topic: Gang crimes
Name:
Date: 23rd April 2012
Introduction
What comes to your mind when you the word gang? Most people in the society today on hearing this word think of a group of drug abusers who are involved in selling drugs, a group of hoodlums who sell guns and steal from neighbors. This ideology is based on the type of labels that the society has placed on various individuals. These labels usually have a certain effect on behavior; they arise because of the presence of social norms in every society thus anybody who fails to conform to them is referred to as being deviant. This then defines the kind of treatment that an individual will receive from the society. The society usually decides who pays for their crimes and does not, some groups commit the same crimes and some get labels and others do not; this depends on their social status in the society (Liska,1987).
In most cases, these labels affect the society greatly, what may appear like a simple definition to society, may affect the society as a whole and it may also adversely affect how these individuals view themselves (Chambliss, 1973).
Definition of a gang
A gang could be defined as a group of thugs that deal with deals, carry crude weapons and terrorize neighborhoods thus ruining the peaceful status of the society. The term thug can be traced back to India in the 13th century where it was used to describe a criminal group that pillaged towns. This group had its own slang, symbols and rituals just like today. The Five Points gang in Manhattan was the most dangerous gang in history. It was comprised mostly of Asians, Hispanics and African Americans.Agang can be simply defined as a group of people whose aim is to indulge in criminal acts; they have their own special symbols, signals and names.
Various researchers from the Chicago school have tried to explain and define gangs; these were mainly urban sociologists who were studying how the urban environment affects its inhabitants. Their study focused mainly on how human behavior is determined by social structures and the physical environment rather than one`s physical traits and genetics. Fredrick Thrasher studied gangs and wrote a book "the gangs" based on his findings. He was a member of the Chicago school of thought and was often referred to as the father of gangs. He explains in his book that members of gangs tend to find a sense of belonging in these groups and this is one their main reason for joining them. They offer an escape from poverty and overcrowding hence they originate mainly from the poverty stricken areas. In his opinion, gangs substitute for areas where the society has failed and are a product of disorganized conditions (Thrasher, 1927).
The youths in the society are the main targets for gang membership since they are most attracted to quick money, they are therefore most likely to indulge in drug trafficking. This drug trade is extremely appealing and is likely to earn more money than mo...