The majority of gangs are governed by norms that support the use of violence to settle disputes and to achieve group goals "associated with member recruitment, defense of one's identity as a gang member, turf protection and expansion, and defense of the gang's honor" (Youth1 pp). Sanctioned violence is also dictated by a code of honor that stresses one's manhood and defines breaches of etiquette, and also demonstrates toughness and fighting ability and establishes status in the gang (Youth1 pp).

Preventing adolescents from joining gangs seems to be the most cost-effective long-term strategy (Solutions pp). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has implemented a school-based gang prevention curriculum called Gang Resistance Education and Training, that has shown positive preliminary results (Solutions pp). Students who complete the program reported "lower levels of gang affiliation and self-reported delinquency, including drug use, minor offending, property crimes, and crimes against persons" (Solutions pp)....
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