Gangs and ViolenceMany young people fromdisadvantagedsocial classes join gangs. Gangs are groups of individuals who share a common identity. Some anthropologists believe the gang structure is one of the most ancient forms of human organization. Gangs are often associated with criminal activities.Street gangs tend to be populated with young people from low income or impoverished homes. In contrast, organized crime gangs such as the Italian-American Mafia usually occupy the middle or upper class stratum of society.Gangs usually take over a territory in a city or suburb. They call this territory their "turf." One common criminal activity on their turf is "providing protection." This is a common style of extortion in which a gang provides protection from its own members for money.Since the 1970s, many gangs have been associated with selling drugs. The most problematic substance associated with gangs is crack cocaine. They are also known to commit burglaries, car theft, and armed robberies.Individual members of gangs are usually referred to as gangsters. These members frequently join in their teens. This is often the result of early exposure to drugs and violence. Low-income housing projects and poor neighborhoods are ideal locations for gangs to exist and thrive.Sometimes, new recruits for a gang are "jumped in." This is when the other gang members beat up the new recruit to test their dedication and loyalty. Recruits must also sometimes commit a crime such as robbery, rape, or murder to gain entry.Once in a gang, there are only two ways for a member to quit. One way is for the member to die. The other way is for the member to desert the gang. The deserting of a gang usually gains the deserter a death sentence from the other gang members.Members of gangs have a very short life expectancy. Because of this lifestyle, morality is often ignored. Criminal acts of violence are not a taboo. In fact, violence is often seen as a way to gain honor and prestige within the gang.According to the passage, how can a person stop being a gang member …