key question - if gang culture is caused by prejudice

• AO1:       40% of gang members are under 18 and 6% of 10-18 year olds are part of a gang. 60% of gun crime is related to gangs.

   

  ·       There has been a16% increase in knife crime in gangs and 25% of knife crime is related to gangs.
• AO1:      There are implications for society if gang culture continues to become more widespread. For the police, gangs can cause an increase in knife and gun crime which requires more policing

  ·       It also affects other emergency services, for example, the increasing number of incidents and crimes leads to more injuries, eg stabbings and homicides and therefore a greater economic cost to the NHS
• AO1:  There is also an impact on the already  overcrowded prisons. Prisons are expensive for general society and taxpayers, the cost of sending someone to prison is higher than the average salary, this money could be used for education and benefits
• Realistic Conflict Theory

   

  One theory of prejudice which can explain gang culture is Realistic Conflict Theory. Gangs are often in conflict over territory as controlling a large area gives gangs status and more opportunity to gain resources (eg control illegal drug markets)

   

  This causes hostility to competition and therefore a zero sum game is created. This causes conflict between the gangs and can lead to violence in their competition over territory.

   

  Therefore the gangs engage in violent behaviour putting a strain on both medical services and the police
• Social Identity Theory

   

  Social Identity theory also explains why there might be violent conflict between gangs. Gangs have a very strong in group/outgroup Identity through the process of social categorisation as gang members will have shared characteristics such as being from the same area.

   

  New gang members will then observe the group and adopt their values and beliefs so that they are accepted into the gang. This will need

   

  The gangs then look more favourably on members of their own group leading them to be prejudiced and therefore potentially more hostile to the out group.