Final answer:
Social disorganization theory explains why youngsters pursue gangs to achieve success they cannot achieve through legitimate means as it focuses on communities with weak social ties and absence of social control. Individuals growing up in impoverished neighborhoods are more likely to engage in criminal activities due to the lack of opportunities and support. Joining gangs becomes an alternative means for achieving their goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social disorganization theory, which asserts that crime is most likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control, can explain why youngsters pursue gangs to achieve success they cannot achieve through legitimate means. According to this theory, individuals who grow up in impoverished areas, characterized by high rates of drug use, violence, teenage delinquency, and deprived parenting, are more likely to become engaged in criminal activities. This theory suggests that the lack of opportunities and support in disadvantaged neighborhoods can lead individuals to seek alternative means of achieving their goals, such as joining gangs.