Title: Understanding The Motivation: Why Do People Join Gangs | BetterHelp
Headings: Understanding The Motivation: Why Do People Join Gangs
Understanding The Motivation: Why Do People Join Gangs
The Need to Belong
The Need to Feel Loved
Children Face Stress When Seeking to Belong
Human Needs & Gangs
People Join Gangs Because….
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Content: While some people rehabilitate and pursue normal and productive lives, many get stuck in the mindset that comes with the culture of the gang with which they are associated. Violence is often a means to an end in most gang affiliations. There have been some movements to help establish "gangs" based on positive social interactions, helping to fulfill the need for community and connection in those that seek it out. In an effort to address the belongingness needs encountered by many who join gangs, programs in schools have been established that increase school engagement. Clubs and organizations that are inclusive and address the need to belong could increase feelings of belonging school and diminish the need to find relationships and social connections in gangs. Family centered programs for youth in which positive bonds are formed could fulfill the need for love. People Join Gangs Because…. Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs explicitly describes love and belonging as a basic human need. If those needs are met through the family or through school engagement or through engagement with loving and creative clubs and organizations, then gang involvement is not present. Understanding the pressure that children feel to conform to their peers and their need for a sense of belonging can help parents and caregivers intervene to prevent gang involvement.