Can gang members be predicted? Why or why not?
Gang membership can be predicted regarding the risk factors that are present. A person who has had a poor upbringing and no parental stability is likely to be involved in gang life. The gang represents family on the streets and often give the individual a sense of belonging and companionship. The risk factors are important in determining future gang affiliation.
What are the main predictive factors that increase the likelihood that an individual will join a gang?
The more risk factors that a person has increased the chance that gang involvement will be in his future. Some predictive risk factors are the low economic environment, single parent or no parent homes, growing up in a bad neighborhood, high crime living area, substance abuse, maltreatment, violence, poverty lifestyle, and severe life stresses.
Which of these factors do you think is most influential?
I think that the most influential factor is a lack of parental influence. When a child or teenager has no one who cares for them it can be traumatizing. They will seek out individuals whom they can communicate with and who will accept them. Gangs are considered a family oriented lifestyle on the street, even though they are violent and commit a crime. Acceptance is important, even if it is by violent gang members.
Finally, what is the main limitation of the Seattle Study and why is this consideration important?
The Seattle Study limitations were due to older participants who had problems with verbal memory. The study findings may have been different if the participants had been younger. “The important part of the study is that it recognizes changes from young people through older adulthood” . The study examines cognitive ability, and looks at family lifestyle, childhood experiences, education,
Work Cited
Willis, Sherry. "The Seattle Longitudinal Study: Relationship Between Personality and Cognition." National Institute of Health (2006): 304-324. Web.
