They are assumed by a member who demonstrates or asserts dominate control at a particular time. His leadership may continue for the particular incident or a limited time thereafter. With smaller gangs, however, it is more likely that a single individual will become recognized leader. Many gangs are subdivided into sets or cliques. A clique or set will usually have its own name.
Sets usually apply to black gangs and cliques to Hispanic gangs.
There are a variety of reasons, including the excitement of gang activity, peer pressure, attention, financial benefit, family tradition, broken homes, lack of family values and a lack of realization of the hazards involved. In many cases, young people are not actively discouraged from gang involvement by their parents. Often, parents don't realize their children are engaged in gang activity. Effect of Gang Involvement Gang membership extracts a terrible toll from the lives of all who contact the members. Non-gang member friends are cast aside and soon the youth's only friends are gang members.