Gangs accept youth who don't feel loved or accepted by parents, adults or school. Gang identity also offers members guidelines on how to act and dress. Many youth feel forced to join a gang for protection from other gangs, especially in the inner city. Once involved in illegal gang activity, the gang provides a false sense of protection from the law. Gangs provide activities and a social life.
Many youth enjoy living on the edge and participating in dangerous activities.
Often, what at first appears to be fun has serious consequences. Many youth join gangs because of fear, threats and intimidation from other gang members or bullies at school. Young people may want to join a gang to appear tough or more acceptable. If young people aren't getting positive attention from parents, joining a gang certainly provides lots of negative attention. Youth who are angry at a parent may join a gang to shock or be defiant toward the parent.