Middle-class Delinquency’s Relationship to Gangs in the United States.
Name
Institution

Crime, delinquency and gangs have traditionally been associated with the children from poor families. However, the number of crimes committed by middle- class children has been increasing in recent years. The violent children who seem to have all the benefits of the society have brought forth a breed of delinquents who are financially secure and from successful families. Consequently, gangs continue to pose a great challenge to all communities in cities, suburbs and rural areas across United States. Generally, there are various factors that result to delinquency among the middle- class children. Their parents, who are ever busy, are always pushing them to strive for success. Rarely do they have meaningful conversations with their children. Alternatively, children seek emotional solace elsewhere within the neighborhood, in which the level of social integration is low. Due to their financial ability, they are easily accepted by the existing social groups. They start associating with delinquent friends and engaging in unsupervised acts. While the poor children engage in crime as an act of rebelliousness, the middle- class children do it to gain an identity. This serves as the onset to delinquency. Most of these children join the gangs innocently for social relationships that give them a sense of identity and belonging. However, they are initiated into early use of alcohol and marijuana, hostility, aggression, rule breaking, and early sexual activity. They develop violent attitudes and find pleasure in violating the laws which defines the gang. Some are attracted by the social and emotional support that gangs provide. Gangs provide them with a sense of belonging and identity, excitement, perceived fun and new experiences,