Gangs and Gang Violence : What Non-Gang Member Adolescents Think about Gangs and Gang Violence in their Neighborhood
Gang violence is a growing societal problem. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of non-gang member adolescents about gangs, gang violence, and the influence they believe gang violence has on their community. Twenty adolescents participated in focus groups. Four themes about gangs emerged from semi-structured interviews : 1) a sense of belonging, 2) a price to be paid, 3) I just don’t get it, and 4) active avoidance. These adolescents had different perceptions of gangs and gang violence. Understanding their views can lay the foundation for developing public health programs aimed at educating them about gangs and the consequences of gang involvement.