
Teenage Girl Gangs
June 24, 2009
The role of girls in gangs is changing...
What hasn’t changed is the traditional social characteristics of girls who associate with gangs. They are usually victims of sexual abuse, poverty, poor schools, and/or members of dysfunctional families. What has changed is the function of the gang for these girls—not only is gang membership a source of protection, it is also a means of empowerment. They sell and transport drugs, rob businesses, mug people, and fight with other gangs to defend their “turf” or area of operation.
Would you like to respond to this posting? If so select a topic below:
1. Why do you think girls are becoming more active members of gangs? Do you think this is linked with changing gender expectations in their generation?
2. What does this tell us about how violence and status are related in some parts of our society? How would you address this problem as a sociologist?
Girls are becoming more active in gangs because of low self esteem due to situations at home and their environment.Just like the guys, they want to feel apart of something. Due to double-standards they also want to prove that they can be just as bad and tough as the boys are and because they are females most have the appearance to get away with some crimes without looking suspecious or appearing up to no good.