Topic > Effects of Gangs in Society - 591

Anita MoranMarlene GallardeSociology 1Mon/Wed 11:30am-12:55pm9 March 2014TheoriesI chose gang involvement because of both the negative and positive aspects gangs have on society. Gangs play an important role in society in many areas of the world. Gangs are a group of people within the same community who share common interests or share the same situation. Bands can be applied to all sociological theories, functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interaction. To me, functionalism is when the gang community has a certain task to perform that is balanced and stable with respect to the five social institutions. The way functionalism applies to gangs is how they are interconnected with society and how they serve a purpose. Regardless of whether or not society views gangs as a negative or wrong part of society, gangs also serve as a positive part of society. The obvious function of gangs is to protect their territory and loved ones at all costs, even if this has negative consequences for society. Other obvious functions are their actions in taking part in the illegal distribution of drugs for show...