The Psychology Behind Gangs Pt.2

My last blog about this topic touched on the psychological phenomenon that may cause or increase the chances of someone joining a gang. I found that it is mostly youth that joins gangs as young as 11, and at the age, are easily influenced by their environment. I did more research on similar topics, but this time focused more on what people can do to try to minimize gangs. To actually make a difference, people need to focus their energy on the youth that are being influenced to join gangs, that many stay affiliated with through adulthood. We see how poverty or lack of activities in certain communities lead to youth acting out. In these lower class areas many parents have to work multiple jobs to support their families and unfortunately may not have much time to spend with their kids. From a young age that takes a toll on children who desire the feeling of belongingness and validation. Gangs are known to have a “family” feel, so it is understandable why someone who may not have had a solid family life growing up may feel more inclined to join a gang. This takes an effort from an entire community to solve this issue. It is realistic to expect a family who may live in an inner city area without sufficient income to quit their jobs for more family time. But instead, steps must be taken to create that same feeling of belonging outside of their home, and outside of gangs. And what better a place than schools. Many schools have very strict “zero tolerance” rules about suspensions and expulsions. By softening those rules we may be able to keep some of those kids in school and out of gangs. That means the school must work to give the kid who may be a troublemaker multiple chances instead of giving up on them. Training teachers to effectively deal with a more difficult kid could also help the kid’s relationship with school so they will be less likely to drop out. Creating a solid relationship between staff and students could increase the graduation rate and decrease the amount of youth joining gangs. Tutoring centers or counselors at school could also provide extra support for kids who may be struggling academically or emotionally. Having a safe place for youth where they feel comfortable will encourage them to stay in school. Another effort that could greatly prevent youth from joining gangs is increasing the number of activities in communities. If there are sports teams youth could join, parks, maybe even teen dances, this would keep youth busy and entertained. At a young age especially kids need lots of excitement and movement or else they will easily get bored which could lead to trouble making or drug use. Excitement is a mental state by physiologically affects the entire body as it releases hormones like serotonin. If kids are able to go out and play soccer on a team within the community it will not only give them a group of people to belong to but also release natural dopamine and serotonin. Instead of turning our backs on gangs and blaming members, we must understand the psychological roots of the problem that may cause many relatively innocent youth to join.