The Effects of Gang Culture
As sociology explains, being a part of a group is an essence of life in society. Individuals become who they are due to their memberships in human groups. As the particular trends that were learned within the groups are now being practiced by the younger generations, a culture is formed. In Los Angeles, one culture that is slowly integrating is the gang culture. Not prejudice to any race, the gang culture makes its way in to many different ethnicities, and also finding its way to at least the upper middle class families as well. Despite the intensions of gangs, the effects of the culture may vary from member to member.
Considered as a counterculture group, gangs are naturally deviant to society. Gang members are often stereotyped, due to the clothes members wear, or even the look that symbolizes a gang member. With the attention that one member attracts to themselves, confrontations occur often. The gang member must be aware, constantly looking out for known rivals as well as other members of a different gang. Responding and reacting to this type of action may help develop any confidence and self-assurance.
The culture of the gang is often a culture of violence. Territory is the objective at times, either defending or gaining it. When gangs go out to look for rivals, which means going behind enemy lines, there are usually two-to-three cars full of members, acting as one, instilling the sense of belonging. Carlie,M (2002)
Varying from the different gangs, organization is achieved by setting statuses and role expectations. Each gang member may have certain roles that needed to be fulfilled, usually asked by a leader of the gang. Organization often leads to power, which then reinforces the value of the gang at which gives the members that sense of pride.
Each gang has its’ own culture, in addition, may also have subcultures. It’s within these subcultures where gang members may fulfill some type of...