Final answer:
Gangs are perceived as common among today's youth due to lack of opportunities, peer pressure, and social inequalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gangs are perceived as common among today's youth in the eyes of society due to several factors:
- Lack of alternative opportunities: Many young people who join gangs come from disadvantaged backgrounds with limited access to education, job opportunities, and social support. Joining a gang may offer a sense of belonging and provide financial benefits that are not available through legal means.
- Peer pressure and social influence: Adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to the influence of their peers. Being part of a gang can provide a sense of identity and acceptance within a peer group that values loyalty and shared activities, even if those activities are illegal.
- Economic and social inequalities: Gangs often flourish in communities that experience high levels of poverty, unemployment, and social disorganization. These conditions create an environment where individuals may turn to gangs as a means of survival, protection, and a source of power in the face of systemic inequalities.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) All of the above.