Gangs & Gang Behavior-where does the line exists between gangs and criminal organizations?  Is there a clear defining difference in the continuum?

As with most terms these days, and as the text explains, there is no agreed upon definition of a gang. The most common element seems to be criminal activity. The gang itself is not illegal but the activities it engages in may well be. Generally, gangs are a group (three or more) of like-minded individuals with a common interest and more importantly, common issues (environmental factors). I believe that it is not what we have in common that binds us most but rather what we lack in common forges the strongest bonds. It is passionate, a spiritual deficit that longs to be filled.

When the “answer” is unknown or unavailable, bonding with others who suffer from similar longings eases the frustration, and activist activities in revolt or rebellion (against the perceived cause-system/condition) eases the pain even more. It communicates the anger of feeling unrecognized and ignored. Often the rage is focused on those people or entities simply because they are percieved to have what the aggressor does not. Hence the symbolic representations of a perceived agressor. Lastly, criminal behavior is necessary, legally, for a criminal gang definition to be complete. But, where does the line exists between gangs and criminal organizations?  Is there a clear defining difference in the continuum? There are many similarities and the differentiation of the groups can be difficult. You may find that the terms are largely separated in definitions for the legal framework.

We tend to define terms in our moral framework, they are bad when we think they are wrong and at minimum understandable when we think there are justified.

For the purpose of this paper, first define the difference between the moral and legal frameworks. For example illegal imigration is illegal, yet we often feel humanely and accept it morally. Both views may be correct but the result is an impasse of positions. We see this in government structures. In order to resolve an issue all concerned must agree to work from one framework, at least initially.

Once you have defined the two frameworks, write your position of whether you believe gangs are a necessary social structure or illegal in need of elimination on the basis of the legal or moral framework. Clearly they are a subgroup that has existed throughout history in a variety of forms. Will we ever find a way to remove the desire and attraction of gangs.

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