Subculture and its Role in the Emergence of Neighbourhood Gangs in Major Urban Cities: Algerian Society as a Model

Abstract

A dangerous criminal phenomenon has spread in Algerian society, mainly represented by “neighbourhood gangs,” and this is what we see through our national channels and what is published in the official newspapers. Not to mention social networking sites in their various forms, which are also at the forefront of the matter. This means that the activity of this type of gang has multiplied significantly, as it threatens the safety and public security of individuals and society, as this threat affects the stability of residential neighbourhoods: their residents, their property,...etc. And this violation reaches the values ​​of society. Firstly: in his customs, traditions, and beliefs. Algerian society, like the Arab Islamic societies, is a society that maintains those values ​​and principles that have been deeply rooted in the mentality of every individual.The acts of violence that were considered deviant behaviours for which the gang was known were represented by assaults committed by gang members by assaulting victims, often with bladed weapons, leaving behind fear and anxiety and sowing terror among residential neighbourhoods .Therefore, the Algerian legislator sought to enact laws due to the significant growth of this social phenomenon of its kind by issuing (Law 20/03 of August 30, 2020) related to the prevention and control of neighbourhood gangs, and it is the first law in Algerian society related to neighbourhood gangs that affects various cases. The question that arises is: What is the historical process of neighbourhood gangs and what are the most important social motives for their emergence? From what standpoint was the law enacted?