Peers and Delinquency (Juvenile Gangs and Groups)

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Chapter Nine: Peers and Delinquency (Juvenile Gangs and Groups)
There have been an increased number of Juvenile gangs and groups linked to major and serious delinquent acts in the country today. Such gangs are the few harmless groups in most neighborhoods and the serious gangs who delve into illegal businesses. Controlling these gangs has become an uphill task since the members are not welcoming gang control measures. The essay will look into the nature of the juvenile and adolescent gangs, their history, theories around them, and the control efforts in place today.
Peers are likely to have the greatest hand in steering delinquency among all people. Peer influence is very significant as peer acceptance is a core element of socialization. As children pass through adolescence, they start taking socialization as an important part of their lives. For example, they may start forming groups of like-minded friends. The groups may stay on as they grow into late adolescence. Adolescents who cannot stay in their peer groups may feel alone and lead stray lives. For example, a sixteen-year-old who does not fit into a peer group has a greater chance of becoming delinquent. On the other hand, if they join a group of delinquents, they are likely to become delinquents as well.
Romantic love involves strong emotions and desire and needs to be loved and appreciated. Adolescents in love are likely to assume each other's behavior and interlinking process naturally. Even if one of the parties does not support delinquent behavior, they are likely to engage in delinquent acts to please the other party. Parties who are in romantic love relationships are most vulnerable to falling into delinquent acts if one of them is a criminal.
Gangs are youth groups that are known to engage in delinquent behaviors. Youths are always at risk of falling into gangs as they search for acceptance, protection, and direction. Gangs entail young people with unique self-identity and recognition, such as specific clothes, names, or even graffiti. Members of gangs usually commit delinquency, and most of them hold high respect and regard towards the gangs.
Since the 1600s, group formations have always been linked with delinquency, especially involving the youths. Gangs have been said to form due to the prevailing gap in society meeting t...