Social Capital

Number of Gang Members: Creation of Social Networks

Social capital is defined as “resources one is able to access through the social networks they are able to form.” Most of those who chose to participate in gangs live in communities with lower economic profiles and have less stability in their populations. Due to their surroundings, these people are unable to form beneficial social networks. Their social networks normally consist of people of lower socioeconomic status, which prohibits them from moving up in social class and they are perpetually forced to remain in their lower class status. Along with this lower social class, these individuals typically face problems with adequate jobs, isolation and segregation from mainstream society, and harsh interactions with public institutions. This discrimination created by the dominant system in society forces these individuals to find an outlet within each other and seek alternative identities that will unite them and provide them a sense of family and identity. 

Low End School: Formation of Poor Social Networks