Gangs have changed throughout history and generally reflect the social and economic conditions of society. Despite significant efforts by juvenile justice system agencies to control gang activity, there is limited evidence that these strategies are effective in reducing the gang problem. You will take what you learned from the reading assignment and create a 200 word discussion highlighting the information listed below:

Discuss the problems associated with defining the terms: gang, gang member, and gang-related crime.

• Discuss why defining gangs is so important.

• What external characteristics do these youth display that makes them appear to be a gang?

• What are main reasons why youths join gangs?

• What factor account for gang migration?

• What circumstance caused members of juvenile justice system to renew their concerns about gangs?

• What strategies have been used by prosecutors and legislatures to respond to gangs?