Which of the following statements is true regarding gang membership and school attachment?

Gang membership can indeed stem from negative labeling by teachers, which creates a context where students may feel marginalized or ostracized within the educational environment. When educators label certain students negatively, it can lead to feelings of alienation and rejection. This can push those students towards gangs, as they seek acceptance and a sense of belonging outside the school system. The gang offers an alternative social group that may validate their identities, especially when school becomes a source of negativity and failure.

In contrast, high academic achievement and strong attachment to schools are generally associated with lower rates of gang involvement, as students who feel connected to their schools are typically less likely to engage in gang-related activities. The concept that gang membership is unaffected by school attachment overlooks the documented influence educational environments have on youth behavior and peer associations. These factors demonstrate how critical school dynamics can intersect with the development of gang affiliations.