Why People Join Gangs in The Outsiders

Why Do Folks Join Gangs in "The Outsiders"?

Gangs have always caught people’s interest, right? They’re a big part of the book "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. The novel really gets into what gang life is all about and why some folks decide to join these groups. Through the eyes of the characters, we can see there are quite a few reasons they might make that choice. This essay will dig into why people get into gangs in "The Outsiders" and what those choices mean. We’ll argue that wanting to belong, needing protection, and searching for identity are the main reasons people jump into gang life.

The Need to Belong

First off, one big reason folks join gangs in "The Outsiders" is because they want to feel like they belong somewhere. Many characters come from tough backgrounds and feel cut off from society at large. The greasers, who are poor teens themselves, find comfort and friendship within their own group. Like when Ponyboy Curtis says, “I knew I belonged to the gang and to the world of greasers” (Hinton 35). That shows how being in a gang gives them identity and community. By joining up, these characters find a place where people get them and accept them—something everyone needs.

Everyone wants to belong somewhere—it’s just human nature. Psychologist Abraham Maslow even put belonging on his hierarchy of needs! In "The Outsiders," joining a gang is how these kids try to fill that need. They build strong bonds with each other and create a support system to handle life's challenges. So, this need for belonging is super important in why they choose the gang life.

Seeking Protection

Gangs also give their members protection in the rough world of "The Outsiders." Characters live where violence is common, especially between rival gangs. Joining a gang means having backup and safety when things get heated. For example, when Ponyboy gets jumped by some Socs (the rival gang), his greaser buddies save him—showing that being in a gang offers real protection.

Living in poor areas with constant threats pushes these characters towards gangs for safety. Being part of a gang means knowing someone has your back and will defend you when it counts. This becomes super critical for those lacking family support or facing neglect at home. Gangs act as surrogate families offering both love and security.

Finding Identity

Lastly, joining a gang helps folks figure out who they are and gives them purpose. For many characters, it's their chance to define themselves against society's expectations. Even though greasers have a bad rep as troublemakers, they're proud of who they are—they’ve got values different from the richer Socs’. By joining the gang, they embrace being greasers and find meaning through shared struggles.

Plus, these kids face discrimination because they’re not well-off economically. A gang helps them claim power and prove they're worth something more than their financial status suggests. Within their community, they earn respect which boosts their self-esteem overall.

In summary, "The Outsiders" shows us why people join gangs: belonging, protection, identity—all key factors pushing individuals towards group life there. Gang membership brings community support alongside personal meaning—a big deal for these characters’ lives! Understanding these motivations sheds light on complex dynamics influencing choices society-wide.

Works Cited

• Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. Penguin Books, 1967.
• Maslow, A.H. Motivation and Personality. Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1954.
• Miller, W.B., “Lower Class Culture as a Generating Milieu of Gang Delinquency,” Journal of Social Issues 14 (3):5-19.
• Klein, M.W., “Street Gangs: A Review of Issues,” Crime & Delinquency 22(4):421-438.
• Thrasher F.M., The Gang: A Study of 1,313 Gangs in Chicago. University of Chicago Press.