Are gangs in America an example of symbolic interaction?

Symbolic interaction is defined from a sociological and criminology perspective. Symbolic interaction examines how individuals and groups interact, focusing on the creation of personal identity through interaction with others. Symbolic interaction main concern is the relationship between individual action and group pressures. Gangs and symbolic interaction go hand and hand. A gang basically is a loosely organized group of people who interact together with one another. The group or gang has a name, usually a …

…hard one to break. Parents and schools need to try harder to make sure that the basic needs of these at-risk kids are met, so they won't feel the need to join a gang. Some schools and communities have joined the fight the speed of gangs in our nation by instituting programs which help build kids self-esteem, give them a healthy support system and outlet for aggression, and show them a better way of life.