Members of gangs feel psychologically bound to remain with them.
So says Criminologist Dr Melisa Neptune – Figaro who states that survival, and a sense of belonging are the reasons for the pull to be a gang member.
She was speaking to the hosts of the Power Breakfast Show on Power 102 Digital this morning about her research on crime and criminality.
She explained that while the assumption is that members who join are interested in a large payout this is not necessarily so.
Rather some just want a way to take care of their families.
Dr Neptune – Figaro noted that many youths also find the gang culture alluring because of the idea of family and belonging that they may lack in their homes.
She explained that Governmental programs targeting the youth are available however not many people know about them.
She said her research found that many in various communities were unaware of the programs.
Another issue she articulated was that those who did enter the programs found that they were unable to make a living after they completed it.
She said the pull of instant gratification offered by the gangs proves to be too much for some.
She said while the emphasis is placed on the police service they are doing quite a lot to deal with the issues of gangs however she said it is other institutions that need to step up.