In recent years, the focus on research on criminal activities and, gang involvement has primarily centered on men. While failing to notice the unique challenges and, experiences faced by women, also the reparations were predominantly focused on men as well. Traditionally, society was used to only focus on men, however recently with the involvement of social media, we can observe young women’s involvement in crime and gangs more than ever which used to be behind closed doors. This acknowledgment has sparked a shift in understanding women’s perspectives. The main focus of my research called ‘’Explaining the Impact of Cultural, Environmental, and Socioeconomic Factors on Women’s Engagement in Gangs and Criminal Behavior.’’ is going deeper into how all these factors have an effect on women’s participation in gangs and criminal activities. As a researcher, I aim to investigate and understand complex mutual influence. The value of this research falls under five categories.

 First, addressing a gap in research literature since this particular problem is neglected and, researchers usually focus solely on men gang members. We barely know how women move or, understand their experiences. Second, an analysis that includes the intersection of multiple factors recognizes the inequalities while still being able to provide insight. Third, this research targets to empower women’s voices by criminality and, gang involvement. Looking from women’s perspective is essential due to recognize their resilience and their potential for a positive change in the future. Fourth, this research has the potential to create an intervention that can effectively prevent women ‘s involvement in gangs and criminal activities in the first place. Prevention comes first, however: implementing positive cultural opportunities and values can change the root cause of the problem. By evidence-based strategy and, early intervention implementation can help women go towards to a positive life direction and, help them stay in a society where they choose education over criminal activities. Lastly, women need comprehensive assistance due to interconnected vulnerabilities and, challenges. In order for women to choose a better life, holistic support is crucial. Promoting women’s sustainable well-being is directly related with a positive outcome in the society. By providing assistance that helps repair their mental and physical health, emotional safety, and social circumstances, it will be easier for women to overcome challenges instead of choosing crime and destroying their lives and, criminal records.

Women often choose crime and gang activities due to a lack of economic opportunities. When they are faced with financial hardship, women perceive participation in gangs and criminal activities as a way of survival. Their chance of involvement goes up more when one of their peers is already benefiting from criminal activities and gang affiliation. Often, women give in to peer pressure because of coercive control, and manipulation. Leaders of the gangs exploit women’s vulnerabilities. They feel pressured to prove themselves in gangs in order to show the gang loyalty and, appreciation for saving them from not having enough funds to support their family. 

Moreover, family dynamics and relationships play a significant part in women’s involvement in gangs and criminal activities. Women who come from families that are already involved with gang lifestyles grow up seeing gangs as crimes as a normalized behavior.  In addition, if a female child grows up neglected tends to be more eager to prove themselves in the gang setting with their loyalty and, risk-taking behavior. They often don’t feel that they are from a strong, loving family so, to fill the void they choose their gang family. Gangs provide them an additional type of new self-identity when they can’t find a feeling of belonging in their blood-related family. Finding support and, companionship makes them feel more elevated until their life takes a negative turn. Furthermore, growing up in a dysfunctional family while witnessing one of their parents go through domestic violence can play a profound role in their development as well. The trauma they witness leads to powerlessness and low self-worth. As a coping mechanism, joining a gang may bring them a source of protection.