Delinquent peer groups tend to emerge out of these classes and individual feelings of anger,
rejection and alienation are mutually reinforced in these groups. The strongest and most immediate
cause of the actual onset of serious violent behavior is involvement with a delinquent peer group. It
is here that violence is modeled, encouraged, and rewarded; and justifications for disengaging one’s
moral obligation to others are taught and reinforced. The effects of early exposure to violence, weak
internal and family controls and aggressive behavior patterns developed in childhood all influence
the type of friends one chooses, and the type of friends, in turn, largely determines what behavior
patterns will be modeled, established and reinforced during adolescence. However, a strong bond to
parents is a protective factor which insulates youth from the influence of delinquent friends as long
as the friendship network is not dominated by such youth.
Gangs are a subtype of adolescent peer group, with a more formal identity and membership
requirements. They tend to involve more homogeneously delinquent youth, often actively recruiting
persons for their fighting skills or street smarts. In some instances membership entails violent
behavior as an initiation ritual. However, not all gangs are involved in serious violent behavior or
drug distribution. They often serve some positive functions, particularly in disorganized
neighborhoods. They not only provide youth a sense of acceptance, belonging and personal worth
(which most friendships do), but also a safe place to stay, food, clothing and protection from abusive
parents. But like delinquent groups more generally, joining a gang greatly increases the risk of
serious violence, both perpetration and victimization. Likewise, leaving a gang or delinquent peer
group substantially reduces the risk of serious violence.