During the cognitive- development stage of adolescence, being a part of an “outlaw culture” can, for some kids, be compelling. Outlaw culture: Many youth - not only those at risk for gang membership - rebel against traditional societal values.Status: Gangs can be seen as a way to increase status among peers, a way to get respect, freedom, and independence - self-empowerment factors that may be missing from some kids’ lives. Also, girls who experience physical or sexual abuse at home may believe that being in a gang offers protection. Protection: Although there is incontrovertible evidence that kids in a gang are more likely to be exposed to violence than kids who do not belong to a gang, this does not resonate with many young people who believe that joining a gang will protect them from violence in school or the community. There are about 200 Vista Home Boys who are documented and maybe another 100 who are not documented, according to the local experts who keep detailed files.Homeboy provides a supportive community, a sense of family and a place where they come to help find their strengths, learn job skills, get an education, learn new life skills, and become contributing members to their families and communities. For some, the appeal is that a friend or family member is already in the gang. Many of the homeboys and homegirls arrive into young adulthood with no support system and absent families. Some youth join a gang for a sense of belonging, viewing the gang as a Relationships: Youth who feel marginalized, rejected, or ignored - in the family, school, or church - may join a gang to fill a need for support. Hispanic gangs in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA Logan Heights in San Fernando Valley Los Angeles 129 Klump Street in North Hollywood Boyle Heights.Economics: For many young people who feel disconnected from the American dream, the economic opportunities of gang membership offer an acceptable alternative to a low-wage job in the legitimate employment arena.
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