Do many girls join gangs?
Male teens are much more likely to join gangs than female teens. Police reports indicate that only about 6% of gang members are female and that 39% of gangs have some female members. These estimates are probably low, however. One 11-city survey of eighth-graders found that 38% of gang members were female. Female gang members are less likely to be involved in criminal behavior than males, but they are still an important concern. In one survey, 78% of female gang members reported being involved in gang fights, 65% reported carrying a weapon for protection, and 39% reported attacking someone with a weapon. Why do teens join gangs? Teens join gangs for a variety of reasons. Some are seeking excitement; others are looking for prestige, protection, a chance to make money, or a sense of belonging. Few teens are forced to join gangs; in most cases, teens can refuse to join without fear of retaliation.
