Thursday, November 12, 2009

Understanding Deviance: Gangs and Social Factors

Big Idea: Deviance and Social Control

Understand: Why do young people join gangs?

Know: What social factors contribute to gang activity?

Be able to do:

Explain three concepts why deviant behavior exists
Analyze one country's social factors
Argue why gangs form in one country

Step 1:

Read Helen Ubinas' article on gangs.

Step 2:

Discuss the following questions:

Are gangs a problem in the Hartford area?

Why do youth get involved with gangs?

Why is Helen Ubinas concerned about gangs?

Step 3: Brainstorm

Why do gangs form from three perspectives?

Step 4:

Research one country's social factors at the CIA World Factbook. Indicate on your chart which social factors MIGHT contribute to increased gang activity.

The country options are:

El Salvador

Brazil

The United States

China

South Africa

You might want to begin with "People" and "Economy"

Step 5: Discuss

What factors in the country contribute to gang activity? Why? What is your evidence?

Step 6: Read a brief description of each country's gang problems.

Was your analysis justified? Why or why not?

Step 7: Final Word

Step 8: Homework

Find a news article and explain on this blog what that article says is the REASON that gangs form or why has that gang formed. Write whether you agree or disagree with their conclusions. Post the link as well here.


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