Stop and look again. Texas Department of Public Safety. They often visualize themselves as warriors against the outside world, protecting their neighborhood. Joining a gang in a community with several gangs offers considerable protection from violence and attack from rival gangs. Studies indicate that a tight family structure is lacking in the home environment.
Gang activity offers that closeness, that sense of family that is often lacking in the home.
New members are forced to join by threats, violent beatings, and initiations in order to increase membership. There are a variety of personal reasons for young people joining gangs. These young people seek to attain recognition for their activities, whether criminal or not. Parents need to be aware of what's going on in their child's life. If young people cannot communicate their concerns and problems to someone significant at home or at school, they could make a negative decision to join a gang, which would affect them for the rest of their lives.