Research Paper
Abstract
The youth is the most at-risk group in terms of gang membership nowadays. It has been found in several studies that gang involvement largely appeal to adolescents, especially those living in poor neighborhoods, estranged or alienated in schools, and in conflict with police authorities or the larger criminal justice system. Researchers reported that the youth turns to gangs to compensate for their lack of adequate and proper socialization. Large communities, or areas with sizable populations, have serious gang-related problems. This paper discusses existing empirical studies on gang formation, membership, and violence. There is a considerable dearth of studies ...