The authors begin with the complicated procedure of trying to define what a gang is and what motivates young people to join one. Lengthy discussion is given to the varied characteristics, signs and symbols of different ethnic gangs in the US, which the UK readership may find not particularly relevant.
Goldstein and Kodluboy cite "belonging, pride, self-esteem, identity enhancement, excitement, resources and removal of peer pressure" as motivational reasons for joining the gang. These findings are echoed by action research carried out in the UK by Leap Confronting Conflict, although young people in this country considered "protection" to be the chief benefit of membership.
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