Which item is listed as a societal strain that gives rise to gangs?

Which item is listed as a societal strain that gives rise to gangs?

• A. High unemployment
• B. Illegal activity is profitable
• C. Atmosphere of discrimination/abuse/criticism
• D. Lack of primary groups for bonding

Answer: (A)

High unemployment is the societal strain being highlighted because economic hardship creates pressure and removes legitimate opportunities for youths. When jobs are scarce, teens have fewer chances to earn income, gain status, or feel secure, so joining a gang can appear as a way to gain resources, protection, and belonging within a structured group. This link between economic strain and seeking belonging or resources helps explain why unemployment is identified as a driving factor for gang involvement. The other factors are not the specific societal strain emphasized here: the profitability of illegal activity is more about incentives once a criminal context exists; a discriminatory or abusive environment is a harmful social condition but not the particular economic strain most commonly listed; and lack of primary groups for bonding refers to weak social supports rather than the economic push that often underpins gang joining.

High unemployment is the societal strain being highlighted because economic hardship creates pressure and removes legitimate opportunities for youths. When jobs are scarce, teens have fewer chances to earn income, gain status, or feel secure, so joining a gang can appear as a way to gain resources, protection, and belonging within a structured group. This link between economic strain and seeking belonging or resources helps explain why unemployment is identified as a driving factor for gang involvement.

The other factors are not the specific societal strain emphasized here: the profitability of illegal activity is more about incentives once a criminal context exists; a discriminatory or abusive environment is a harmful social condition but not the particular economic strain most commonly listed; and lack of primary groups for bonding refers to weak social supports rather than the economic push that often underpins gang joining.