Developmental Theories and Common Misconceptions

 The key propositions of life-course theories to the onset of adolescence criminal groups are explained by the following risk factors. The first proposition is explained by neighborhood risk factor- this means that young people are likely to engage in criminal behaviors and join gang membership due to lack of stable population. Adolescents who live in economically disadvantaged communities are influenced by the community conditions such as poverty to join criminal activities where they use firearms and drug. In other words, the proposition states that gangs and violence thrive when adolescents live in the undesirable community, experience low neighborhood attachment, and lack collective efficacy (Howell, 2012). The second proposition is explained by the family risk factors. The proposition states that adolescents are likely to engage in gang membership due to poor family structure and lack of family interaction and interrelationships.  For example, the absence of biological parents, poor parental supervision, low parental education, low socioeconomic status, child maltreatment and family members who are in gang membership are the factors that increase the likelihood of joining the gang membership (Howell, 2012).  The last proposition is explained by the peer risk factors. The proposition states that adolescents who form a relationship with deviant peers are likely to join the gang membership.  In other words, friendship act as a stepping stone toward deviant behaviors and gang membership (Howell, 2012).

 We can alter the outcome or we can prevent young people from gang involvement by overcoming the poverty. The first solution is to improve the life of the poor families by removing them from the disadvantaged environments that are associated with undesirable outcomes. There should be a program for fair housing and urban development to help the families who live in high-poverty areas. By so doing, the community and family risk factors will no longer act as a stepping stone since the young people will get the opportunity for education and engage in constructive things (Howell, 2011).  In addition to creating a new neighborhood where young girls and boys will reduce the pressure of engaging in deviant behaviors and gang membership, there should be a well-targeted programme such as education and training programs and treatment plan to help the adolescents, family, and community. By so doing, young people with gain social skills and behavioral skills that will help them create a helpful relationship with peers, they will engage in constructive things, improve school performance, avoid gang activity and avoid neighborhood trouble (Howell, 2011).

The four common misperceptions about gang involvement are; young join gang membership for protection, for fun, for money, and because a friend or a relative is a member of the gang (Howell, 2011). Young people believe that gang provides safety. Second, young people believe that by joining a gang, they will have fun by developing a sense of identity and a sense of self-worth, create companionship and engage in social actions such as attending parties, sexual activities, drug abuse, and music. Third, they believe that gang will give them an opportunity to obtain money by selling drugs and other financial activities (Howell, 2011). Last, they are influenced by peer pressure and the desire to follow their friends or family members since it's a way of life. 

Of the four misconceptions, the most misconception that surprised me most is the belief that gang is for fun. I wonder how a hang can be for fun yet the gang members fear police and rival gangsters while engaging in criminal behaviors (Howell, 2011). The point is that there is no fun in joining a gang since the moment you join the club, there is not freedom (it is not easy to leave the group and one should adhere to harsh rules) and the chances of death and imprisonment are high.

 

 

 

Reference

Howell, J. C. (2012). Gangs in America's communities. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications

Howell C. James. (2011). Gang Prevention: An Overview of Research and Programs. DIANE Publishing