Title: 10 things you didn't know about gangs - Pullias Center
Headings: 10 things you didn’t know about gangs
10 things you didn’t know about gangs
A new paper takes a holistic view to illuminate why vulnerable, high-risk youth may find refuge in gangs.

Content: 2. At-risk youth may seek out gangs to find basic support and security. “ Through the process of gang involvement, the influence of peers is powerful as they fulfill the sense of belonging youth may not receive from their family, community, and school.” 3. Challenging home environments can make youth more vulnerable to gangs. The researchers explain that “some studies have found youth who are at greater risk of gang involvement come from single-parent households, homes struggling with issues of marital discord, homes where there is a prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse, homes with issues of physical and/or sexual abuse, and/or homes that have family members who are gang involved.” 4. Racism and racial discrimination in schools can influence students of color to seek acceptance and validation through gang membership when other familial or community resources are unavailable. 5. Poverty can make gang membership appear more attractive. “