- 06/02/2013
- Posted by: essay
- Category: Free essays
Difference between street gangs in the US and the UK
In spite of obvious similarities, street gangs in the US and the UK are quite different. In this respect, it is important to lay emphasis on the fact that the development of street gangs in the US occurs on the ethnic or racial ground. For instance, many street gangs especially in Southern states of the US involve members of the Latin American origin, or African Americans or other minorities, whereas whites are not inclined to the creation of gangs. In this respect, it is worth mentioning the fact that street gangs in the US exist in the inner city mainly, which is populated by minorities such as African Americans, Latin Americans, Asian Americans and others.
As for the UK, the ethnic distinction of street gangs is not so obvious. Representatives of the white majority are often gang members and the belongingness to a street gang does not necessarily mean that its members are representatives of minorities, which is the characteristic of street gangs in the US. Instead, many British street gangs consist of representatives of the poor or people originating from families of workers and other low-paid employees. In such a way, social standing is prior to ethnic origin in regard to the street gang membership in the UK.
The common ground for street gangs in the US and UK
On analyzing similarities and differences between street gangs in the US and the UK, it should be said that similarities prevail and, what is more important, street gangs in the US and the UK are rather similar than different. What is meant here is the fact that the causes of the origin of street gangs are similar in the US and the UK. One of the major causes of the emergence of street gangs in the US and the UK is the poverty which pushes community members to street gangs where they find protection and support which they cannot find in their families, or from the part of the state. Furthermore, the pauperization of the population in large and medium-size cities leads to the marginalization is often determined by their unemployment, which is another factor that increases the social tension and forces people to join street gangs.
In addition, it is important to take into consideration the role of globalization which eliminates cultural barriers between countries and street gangs tend to become homogeneous to a certain extent. In a long-run perspective, this trend will grow stronger. At this point, it is worth mentioning the fact that street gangs are influenced by the modern culture and shape the modern culture to the extent that there are stereotypes which force people to join gangs because they believe that street gangs give them power and protection.
Conclusion
Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is important to lay emphasis on the fact that street gangs in the US and the UK are rather similar than different. Street gangs in the US and the UK emerge because of the desperate social position of their members. In addition, globalization makes values and culture of different countries closer and street gangs become closer too. Therefore, street gangs of the US are similar to those of the UK.
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