| dc.description.abstract | Youth involvement in gangs presents a significant challenge to public safety, individual
development, and community well-being. While existing research highlights various contributing
factors, a comprehensive understanding of the specific characteristics and backgrounds that
predispose youth to gang affiliation remains a critical gap. This report investigates the
socioeconomic, psychological, and environmental influences on youth gang involvement with
the aim of creating more effective intervention strategies. Drawing upon existing literature and
theoretical frameworks, this research explores the complex combination of factors that drive
youth to participate in gangs. Key psychological traits such as low self-esteem, aggression,
impulsivity, antisocial behaviors, and issues related to identity formation are examined,
alongside environmental factors including adverse childhood experiences, familial criminality,
poverty, and peer pressure. The study also analyzes prominent criminological theories including
social learning, interactional, general strain, routine activities, and social disorganization
theories, in explaining youth gang involvement. Furthermore, this paper evaluates existing
intervention strategies and uses them to propose recommendations for future intervention
strategies, expanding on community-based programs, family and parental involvement, schoolbased initiatives, cognitive-behavioral and skill building interventions, strengthening law
enforcement and community partnerships, and addressing structural and socioeconomic barriers. | en_US |
