The Subculture Theory of Violence in Today's Society Introduction Gang activity and gang violence are a growing concern in the United States today. It is estimated that there are approximately 760,000 gang members and over 24,000 active gangs in various jurisdictions across the United States (World Vision, 2011). It is also estimated that 155 children are arrested each year for taking part in violent crimes and that the majority of this violence is directly linked to gangs and their activities (World Vision, 2011). To address this growing epidemic, those working in the criminal justice field have turned to existing sociological theories. One theory that could be instrumental in addressing the problems associated with gang violence and gang activity in today's society is Marvin Wolfgang's theory of the subculture of violence. This theory could not only provide criminal justice individuals and the community with the rationale behind gang violence and activity, but will also help them create strategies to address this growing epidemic. Subculture Theory of Violence In the 1960s, Marvin Wolfgang and his esteemed colleague Franco Ferracuti formulated the subculture theory of violence (Wolfgang & Silverman, 2002). Based on sociological and criminological traditions, this theory postulates that individuals who grow up and/or are exposed to a subculture that approves and embraces violence will be at greater risk of participating in violent acts and engaging in violent behavior (Wolfgang & Silverman, 2002) . Specifically, Wolfgang & Ferracuti (1967) state that “Like all human behaviors, murder and other violent and aggressive crimes must be seen in terms of the cultural context from which they arise” (…… half of the document…. .. , it was concluded that the subculture theory of violence could be instrumental in addressing gang problems plaguing communities and criminal justice professionals in today's society. In addition to providing the rationale behind the event, this theory will assist in the strategy creation process. References Siegel, L. (2009). Belmont, CA: Thomas Higher Education Justice at the Millennium: Essays Honoring Marvin E. Wolfgang New York, NY: Springer Publishing.World Vision (2011). prevention/.