Members display antisocial and criminal behavior that sometimes results in their arrest. The gang s hand signs are also used to identify the individual as a member of that specific gang. Reasons for Involvement Lack of success in school, sports or other conventional activities sometimes leads to poor self-esteem for the individual, particularly if the student is ostracized by peers. As such, the individual may turn to a street gang for acceptance and recognition by others. In some cases, an individual s siblings or relatives may be members of a gang, resulting in familial gang involvement.
Consequences Joining a gang is never a good move.
At best, it puts the member and his family in danger of attacks, and at worst, can land the member in jail or the morgue. Female Involvement Girls are often intricately involved with street gangs, whether on the fringe as girlfriends, or as full-fledged members of an affiliated girl gang with a similar name. The initiation into the gang sometimes includes sexual assault. Male gang members often use their female acquaintances to hold or transport drugs or weapons as well as other contraband, or to provide false alibis when arrested or accused of criminal activity. Avoiding gang involvement Parents can do a lot of simple things to prevent their children s involvement in gangs.