Juvenile Gangs and Delinquency. Prepare a powerpoint for families on understanding gangs and what can families do to understand how their youth can avoid gang violence. Pretend this powerpoint will be presented at a local police precinct to educate them about youth gang cultures.
Prepare a powerpoint to analyze a gang of choice and provide at least 2 citations for your outside research and analysis.
1. Pick a street gang that you are familiar with (personally or conceptually), such as the Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, MS-13, etc.
2. Describe the origins of the gang and how it meets criteria for being classified as a gang (see section in chapter Number of Gangs and Members)
3. Describe whether “social capital” is relevant in explaining why youth are motivated to join this gang. What perceived gains in social capital do members gain?
4. Show any argot/slanguage/symbols that is distinctive for the gang.
5. Analyze any contributions that the gang makes for the social and psychological well-being of its members.
6. In doing research on this gang, write your opinion whether you agree with or disagree with Travis Hirschi (1967) who argued that there is no evidence that gang membership precede delinquency. He advocates that an “attitude and interest favorably include toward nonconformity will lead a youth to expertimentation with delinquent behavior and association with like-minded peers.” In what ways do you agree and in what ways do you disagree?
7. Conclude with your recommendations on whether society should or should not to try to discourage the membership of youth into this gang of choice.
8. Also argue what can done to stop formation and perpetuation of juvenile violence among gangs.
