van der Westhuizen, MarichenGawulayo, Sibulelo2021-10-182021-10-182021-03Van der Westhuizen, M & Gawulayo, S. (2021). YOUTHS IN GANGS ON THE CAPE FLATS: IF NOT IN GANGS, THEN WHAT?. Social Work. 57. 10.15270/57-1-910.http://doi.org:10.15270/57-1-910.http://hdl.handle.net/10566/6920Gangs are social groups within geographical territories that use symbols, verbal and non-verbal communication to express their belonging to the group, and resort to crime to exercise power and control over the territory in which they operate (De Wet, 2016; Cooper & Ward, 2012). They are formed to claim control over a specific market, such as illegal substances, in a specific territory. Activities are organised through leadership structures and an internal organisation of roles and responsibilities for gang members. Criteria for the functioning of gangs in general include a command structure, exerting power over a territory and its inhabitants and its resources, and use of armed violence. The above criteria are also applicable to youth gangs (Cooper & Ward, 2012).enCape FlatsEnvironmental influencesFamily influencesIndividual influencesArticle