Sociology Unit 3

Sociology Unit 3

Sociology Unit 3

Introduction

In the United States of America , for all of the freedoms and privileges enjoyed , the gang structure is still alive and well , as people organize for the advancement of illegal purposes . This research will focus on gangs in America from the vantage point of the three major sociological theories-functionalism , conflict theory , and interactionism

A Sociological View of Gangs in America

From the viewpoint of sociological functionalism , it is possible to view American gangs as something that exist perhaps not in spite of

br American abundance , but because of it . The intention of America to provide for the needs of every individual , no matter what their socioeconomic status , has in fact left some minorities pushed to the fringes of society (Thornberry , et al , 2003 . As such , it has become necessary for these marginalized individuals to group together for the advancement of their best interests-and in that , a gang is born

In western cultures , the tendency is for conflicts to be resolved through negotiation or other such civilized means . The disgruntled among the citizenry , however , have classically become gang members as a means of gaining perhaps what they were deprived through conventional mediation (Thornberry , et al , 2003 . In doing so , however , gang members defy the traditional individualism that defines interactionism , so in an ironic way , gang members give up their identity to assume the role of the part of a larger group

Conclusion

In conclusion , what we see in a sociological consideration of gangs in America...