Social Problems & Issues in UK

Youth Gangs a Significant Social Problem in the UK



Youth Gangs a Significant Social Problem in the UK

Introduction

Throughout history, youth gangs have existed, and few studies were conducted to explain youth gangs a significant social problem in the UK. In 2008, over 70 adolescents died because of their involvement in youth gangs in Britain. Alone in London, law enforcement officers identified more than 170 youth gangs (Schneider & Tilley, 2007, pp.79-92). Most of them have loose associations of friends from the same locality aim to control territory or turf, usually defined by a post ode. The cost for straying into the wrong district is to be stabbed, beaten or robbed. Many youngsters casually carry weapons, such as a knife to create fear among others and to defend them if physically attacked. One of the key reasons that give rise to youth gangs in Britain is underlined by experts is the breakdown of family life (Porteous, et al., 2007, pp.29-35). Gangs have taken the place of family unit because UK families lack in creating youth belongingness. Moreover, gangs offer young individuals with a sense and structure of belonging that creates the “post code pride” that leads to assassination (Burke, 2008, pp.22-310). Inequality in UK society is also a key reason of youth gangs in Britain. Consequently, youth gangs have affected the society in a number of ways by creating an unstable environment and fear among people living in UK. Thus, this paper explores whether youth gangs is a significant social problem in the United Kingdom or not.

Discussion

Youth Gangs

The “youth gang” term is usually interchangeably used with “street gang,” means street-based or neighbourhood group of youth that meet criteria of gang (Hayden, et al., 2008, pp.163-178). On the other hand, the differences between organised criminal enterprises, street gangs and youth gangs are unclear. For this paper, the definition of “youth gang” is pertinent: “a group of a juvenile is united by shared interests, formed a self-association with peers, with identifiable internal organisation and leadership, whose individuals strive to attain a certain goal or act collectively, such as the control of a particular enterprise, facility or territory, the conduct of illegal activity (Klein, Weerman & Thornberry, 2006, pp.413-437). Racial supremacists, prison gangs, motorcycle gangs and other are excluded from youth gangs (Hallsworth & Young, 2008, pp.175-195).

Social Theories that Support Young Gang is a Significant Social Problem

Youth gangs are an intrinsic part and significant social problem faced by UK. According to strain theory asserts that the antisocial behaviour and conduct are expected to occur when a person undergoes frustration or strain that caused by an uneven legitimate distribution to attain the common societal goals including materialistic and financial gains. Several researchers Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro & McDuff (2005, pp.1178-1190); Burke (2008, pp.22-310) conducted a research and on the basis of strain theory stated that factors behind the emergence of youth gangs include the needs for protection (security, personal safety, status and power), belongingness (broken families), drug or ...