Why do young people get involved in crime, drugs and rebelious gangs?
For many young people in dysfunctional families, gangs provide a sense of acceptance and belonging. The gang, in a sense, becomes the child’s family. Some gangs begin rather innocently, almost as clubs or just a group of friends. But, without positive adult input and guidance, the kids soon begin to get into trouble and crime. The movie, “Lord of the Flies” is an example of how this can happen. Rebellion comes from anger, and the anger is a result of years of neglect, and sometimes abuse, and unheard cries. Often poverty complicates things enormously.
Great answer by Anon. I’d add that the way society has caused and allowed social pathologies (poverty, drugs, the breakup of families, vandalism) to develop and become widespread in parts of society gives kids a warped view of what’s acceptable and normal. Also, they’ve also done research on teenager brains, and the parts that control impulse control and the realistic assessment of consequences just aren’t as developed as in adults.
