The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on the Likelihood of Youth Essay

The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on the Likelihood of Youth Entering - Essay Example In this study the author further asserts that these youth gangs develop negative identification with the law enforcers as well as the neighborhood residents. He further provides that youth gangs is not a new phenomenon in the society asserting that it dates back in 17th century where they were characterized with wearing of distinct colors for their identification and arose mainly from social and economic vacuum in their neighborhoods and their contemporary societies. Thus ascribing from this it can be argued that youth gangs have evolved leading to emergence of larger gangs. The notable emerging larger gangs are having sophisticate organization, have access to powerful and dangerous weapons and they continue to recruit young children into these gangs (Wiener 2005). Attributing to this youth gangs are considered a threat to the peaceful coexistence in the society at large. According to Howell (2005) in his research provides that the origin of youth gangs is greatly attributed to the e conomically and socially disadvantaged background. He asserts that these backgrounds have broken families and lack of community cohesiveness (Howell 2005). These youth gangs in most societies and neighborhoods are perceived by its members to fill several needs (Howell 2005). These needs range from psychological, physical, economic and social needs. It is notable that these underlying needs are associated with the failure of the family to fill the arising gaps from this. Taking into consideration these societal needs it can be asserted that gangs notable intents is focused on provision of friendship, sense of identity, searching for wealth and finally for the purpose of security (Howell 2005). Nature and organization of youth gangs According Brantingham (2006) in his publications describes how various youth gangs operates and how they co-ordinate their activities. The authors provide extensive understanding in regard to various youth gang behaviors by identifying and examining its le adership structure and its primary objectives. In this study it is notable that youth join gangs majorly for due to increasing trusting relationship within the gang family (Brantingham 2006). This is attributed to negligence as well as incompetence on the parents, clergy and teachers in performing their traditional roles of counseling and guiding the youth in the society. In the examination of youth gangs in general, it is notable that gang members have developed trusting solid relationships with their mentors who is considered the gang leader (Brantingham 2006). According to Campbell (2011) this relationship of the mentor and the mentee comes along with patience and the willingness and commitment of the mentor in pursuing of a strong relationship. It can be argued that the concept of being real comes in place which is a key attribute of any youth gang leader (Campbell 2011). This involves the gang leader relating genuine concerns on behalf of the gang members. The leader should act in accordance with the youth gang culturally appropriate manner without it being perceived by the gang members as preachy or contrived. Therefore the mentor needs not to condemn the mentee for their actions or their immorality but the real attribute ensures that the gang leader listens, understands and help the