Gang Culture

Why do gangs exist? How long have they existed? Why does it matter?

By: Bethany Thomas

The History

The History of gangs extends much further back than most would assume. This picture shows a gang in Chicago.

To be clear: A gang is a group of people who claim a territory and use to it make money using illegal activities.

What’s Happening Now?

Quick Statistics

There are approx. 27,900 gangs in the U.S

There are approx. 774,00 members within these gangs

Small cities account for 16% of gangs, rural areas just 3%

Estimated Membership-U.S

Graph created by The National Gang Center

Sad Reality

It’s sad that most youth join gangs to gain a sense of family and belonging.

Cause & Effect

Family dynamics play a massive role in the creation of gangs and the selection of members. Certain young adults may be more prone to gang life.

An Example of How Gangs Affect Life

http://youtu.be/kGneqeHYGd8

This video is from 2010 and was created by Prince Williams County.

Work Cited

http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/content/documents/history-of-street-gangs.pdf

http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/background-gang-violence

http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-gangs

http://www.stanford.edu/class/e297c/poverty_prejudice/gangcolor/paloalto.htm

http://www.helium.com/items/884338-gang-violence-and-black-youth-the-appeal-and-the-tragedy