The truth is that gangs have always existed in our society. They form part and parcel of the underground dealings that define society. This can be attributed to the fact that society has learned to accommodate them. This is so because they serve various functions that even the law enforcement units cannot do (Kinnear 2009). Among them is the fact that they offer protection to their communities aside from self gratification for themselves. The activities they engage in, therefore, benefit the society as well as themselves. Their acts to a huge extent serve to meet their personal needs in order to create social stability.
But when we look at the good things they do against their bad ones, the truth is that they do more harm than good. It is, therefore, good that they are helped in an effort to minimize violent activities by first encouraging them to follow mainstream norms. As an urban planner designated to help them, I will try so much to get them into meaningful employment that best suits each one of them. This targets those who are already members and the vulnerable youth who might be tempted to join these gangs. Above all, I will try to use my powers to coerce them to change their behavior.
I will also put a lot of efforts in ensuring that children are taught virtues and morals that will help them make wise decisions so as not to engage in violent activities.
I will also encourage the citizens to rely on law enforcers when faced with issues such as insecurity and other vices propagated by these gangs. The people’s interactions in society play a major role in determining the outcome of the youth in the same society (Musick 1995). In order to create a sense of self that is devoid of deviant mannerisms, the youth need to be incorporated in the social interactions that promote good mannerisms. The actions of both young and old will, therefore, influence the youth towards becoming responsible members. The interactions of all members will, therefore, help create impressions of everyone in creating a sense of self (Spergel 2007). This will in the long run help tame the youths who might have otherwise ended in gangs.
References
Kinnear, K. L. (2009). Gangs: A Handbook. 2nd Edition. Santa Barbra: ABC- CLIO, LLC
Musick. D. (1995). An Introduction to the Sociology of Juvenile Delinquency. New York: State University of New York.
Spergel, I. V. (2007). Reducing Youth Gang Violence. The Little Village Gang in Chicago. Lanham: AltaMira Press
