The most teenagers join gangs because they are searching for love. They see them as family and they feel accepted and safe. They feel like they can do something for the community, but the aren’t.
Also they are joining a gang because it is exciting. they think it is exciting to have a gang where everyone is afraid of. They feel powerful and important, and so they never felt before .
Or a friend is in a gang so they think it is tough and so they get dragged into the gang life.
Teenagers join gangs to find protection as well. They feel threatened outside and when they join a gang, they know that there are people who will stick up for them.