Gangs and Gang Violence:What Non-Gang Member Adolescents Think about Gangs and Gang Violence in their Neighborhood

Background: There is a growing problem of gang violence in Greensboro, NC. Factors such as the media, social interactions with peers, and family relationships can influence adolescent views of gangs, gang violence, and the effect they have on their community. Purpose: To explore non-gang member adolescents' perceptions of gangs and gang violence in Greensboro, NC. Method: A qualitative research design was used to explore non-gang member adolescents' perceptions of gangs and gang violence in Greensboro, NC. Findings: Twenty adolescents participated in six focus groups. Four themes emerged from the data: 1) do you want to be in our family? 2) paying a price, 3) I just don't get it, and 4) avoidance. Adolescents suggested that adolescents join gangs and participate in violence because they have nowhere else to turn and it provided them with a sense of belonging. Several adolescents did not understand why people join gangs and thought there was a high price to be paid for being in a gang. Conclusion: These adolescents had different perceptions of gangs and gang violence. Understanding their views can lay the foundation for developing public health programs aimed at educating them about gangs and the consequences of gang involvement.