Cohesion conventionally refers to integration or the ability of individuals to co-exist, and quite often, pursue the same goals or objectives. Cohesion is very important to gangs because it is necessary for cohesion to be present for individuals to form a gang. Also, for cohesion to exist, there must be certain factors that compel certain individuals to come together to form a gang. For instance Howell & Griffiths (2018) provide the example of the Cholo youth gang in the United States. When the United States annexed some of the Mexican land, some people found themselves isolated both from their native people and traditions, as well as the American values. Therefore, they created their own subculture, known as cholo, which literally means “isolated”. Secondly, this group experienced more social immobility, racism, and consequently, poverty. These factors seem to have made the group cohesive because most individuals believed that if they stack together, they could push for their rights.
The fact that most immigrants from Mexico, especially young people from poor backgrounds tend to associate themselves with groups like the Cholo gang portrays the high level of influence cohesion has on not only gang members but also other individuals. When a gang becomes cohesive, it turns to be almost like a cult. The members become more loyal and other people may be easily convinced to join. Allegiance and support to the gang gives it more strength, and since most members may follow instructions oblivious of their impact, violence is likely to increase. Undoubtedly, most of the terrorist groups in the world are formed out of similar circumstances, that is, group members must be united and loyal. Similarly, cohesion in gangs strengthens them, and even makes them very bold, and consequently, more violence may arise.
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Reference
Howell, J. C., & Griffiths, E. (2018). Gangs in America's communities . Sage Publications.
