What is a common misconception about gang violence?

The misconception that all gang members are involved in drug trafficking stems from a simplified view of gang culture and activities. While drug trafficking can be a significant part of some gangs' operations, it is not representative of all gang members or all gangs. Many gangs may focus on other illicit activities, including theft, extortion, or violent crimes unrelated to drug trade. Additionally, not every individual associated with a gang partakes in these illegal activities. This broad generalization can misrepresent the diversity within gang membership and the different motivations and actions of gangs. Understanding this allows for a more nuanced approach to addressing gang violence, rather than attributing it solely to drug trafficking.

The other options represent different misconceptions as well. The notion that gang violence primarily occurs in urban areas ignores the presence of gangs in suburban and rural communities. Similarly, the belief that gang violence only affects gang members overlooks the broader impact on families and communities. Lastly, assuming that gang violence is driven solely by economic factors fails to account for other influences, such as social, cultural, and psychological factors that contribute to gang formation and violence.