Gangs

Gangs, plural of 'gang', refers to organized groups of individuals, often with a shared identity, purpose, and code of conduct. These groups can range from social clubs and hobby groups to criminal enterprises. While the term frequently conjures images of street gangs involved in illicit activities, it broadly applies to any cohesive group functioning as a unit. Membership typically involves a sense of belonging, loyalty, and a shared identity, which can manifest in specific behaviors, dress codes, or rituals. The activities and goals of gangs can be diverse, reflecting a wide spectrum of social functions.

Gangs meaning with examples

• The neighborhood watch program formed several citizen gangs to patrol the streets, deterring crime and fostering a sense of community. Their shared goal was safety, their code was cooperation.
• Teenage gangs formed around a shared interest in graffiti art, using alleyways and abandoned buildings as canvases. They built a social world of belonging and skills built on creativity.
• The research team discovered several gangs of chimpanzees, each with their own hierarchical structure and territory. They were studying the complex social dynamics of the apes.
• The debate club saw many gangs of students arguing about the school curriculum and sharing ideas, each group eager to win a point in the debate.
• Historically, merchant gangs controlled trade routes and maintained their own security and business.