PRESENTATION Flashcards
What is the focus of the presentation?
The presentation explores why some young people get involved in gangs, examining social, psychological, and environmental factors.
What does gang involvement mean?
Gang involvement can vary; some gangs are organized and involved in serious crime, while others form informally for protection, identity, or belonging.
The Home Office and Youth Endowment Fund found that young people from unstable or single-parent households are significantly more likely to be involved in gang activity.
What is Strain Theory?
Strain Theory (Merton, 1938) suggests that when people can’t achieve success through traditional paths, they may turn to gangs for money, respect, and identity.
Example: Unemployment in urban areas pushing youth toward illegal income.
What is Social Learning Theory?
Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977) posits that gang behavior is learned through observing others, particularly if gangs are seen as a means to survive or gain status.
What is Subcultural Theory?
Subcultural Theory (Cohen, 1955) states that youth rejected by society may create subcultures, where gangs provide the recognition they lack elsewhere.
Example: School exclusion leading to gang loyalty.
What does Routine Activity Theory explain?
Routine Activity Theory (Cohen & Felson, 1979) explains that gang activity increases where there is opportunity, lack of supervision, and a motivated person.
What are individual risk factors for gang involvement?
Individual risk factors include low self-esteem, trauma, mental health issues, and aggressive behavior.
What family influences contribute to gang involvement?
Family influences such as poor supervision, neglect, or having family members in gangs create long-term vulnerability.
How does peer pressure affect gang involvement?
Peer pressure is significant as gangs offer status, belonging, and protection, especially for isolated youth.
What social issues push youth toward gang life?
Social issues like poverty, racism, poor housing, and lack of opportunities increase the likelihood of gang involvement.
What does Tajfel’s Social Identity Theory state?
Tajfel’s Social Identity Theory (1979) suggests that people define themselves by their group affiliations, and gangs provide a sense of belonging and identity.
What is the Cure Violence program?
Cure Violence treats violence like a disease, using former gang members as ‘violence interrupters’ to prevent conflicts from escalating.
What is the Gangs to Gardens program?
Gangs to Gardens involves ex-gang members transforming derelict spaces into community gardens, providing jobs, purpose, and mentorship.
What is Operation Ceasefire?
Operation Ceasefire is a combined approach using targeted policing and community dialogue to reduce gun violence.
What are effective prevention strategies?
Effective strategies include early intervention, youth centers, fair policing, and providing education and job access.
What should policy focus on regarding youth and gangs?
Policy should shift from short-term punishment to long-term investment in youth, fostering collaboration among agencies and funding community groups.
What is the conclusion of the presentation?
Gang involvement is often about bad options rather than bad choices, and combining understanding with action can provide youth with better alternatives.
