group of young people that may otherwise have problems earning money. Money is namely earned through stealing, prostitution, and drug sales. As a result of all of this money making, most gang members ignore other responsibilities such as school. While prostitution and drug sales are on the rise in gang activities, theft is on the decline. This decline is mainly due to the fact that it is risky and no longer as lucrative a trade as the prostitution or sales of drugs. The final attraction to gang life is the protection that the gang provides. In order to avoid being bullied one must join a gang or suffer the consequences. These consequences are, namely, harassment, beatings, robberies, or even murder. In order to avoid these fates, youths often will join a gang. While joining a gang may even heighten the threat of attack from rival gangs, many feel the trade off is better than the fate of not joining a gang. Moreover, the safety in numbers that is provided by gangs is much greater than chancing it on ones own in the ghetto.It is clear to see that the three main reasons for enlisting in a gang are psychological, financial, and physical. There are, of course, other reasons to join a gang. Many theorists believe that the close proximity of youths in the inner city lead to the embryonic stages of gang activity. This, however, does not explain the explosion of gang activity in affluent suburbs. The breakdown of a family structure, however, does explain it. That is the main reason for the rapid formation of gangs. Financial and physical reasons are soon to follow. After all, everyone loves to earn money. Likewise, gangs can provide money rather readily. Everybody loves to feel a sense of security as well. This is especially true in such dangerous areas like the ghettos of the inner city. Gangs, without a doubt, provide protection from other gangs as well. One thing is for certain. As long as the breakdown of family values...
