who joins gangs and why, and gang identifiers.
Structure The structure of a gang is similar to the developmental stages of life. Although there may be overlap between the stages, each stage tends to be marked by certain distinguishing characteristics. A youth’s gang involvement is a process that happens over time. Usually there is an initiation or rite of passage into the gang and when the member is promoted to a higher rank. Marginal. At the introductory phase, the young person latches on to peers or older youth who impress them in a variety of ways. It can be dress, self confidence, or the number of close friends they have available to them. Unfortunately, gang involved youth utilizes the need for praise, friendship, and attention as a means to entice further involvement. Most youth at this phase are just beginning to show interest. A slight change of clothing, graffiti on notebooks and some rule bending at home or school may begin to surface.
