Factors Contributing to a Sense of Community

The factors contributing to the sense of community experienced by these groups include the following:
• neighbourhood—Most teenage groups have a neighbourhood focus. The local school plays an important role in bringing teenagers together.
• socioeconomic status—Neighbourhoods are often occupied by people with a similar socioeconomic background. This is frequently reflected in the nature of the groups formed within the neighbourhood.
• popular culture—Young people are attracted to elements of popular culture, especially music, clothing, recreational interests and the ‘lifestyle’ products that teenagers consume.
• demographic characteristics—Teenage groups usually consist of people of the same age.
• gender—Most teenage groups are gender-based, at least initially.
• ethnic background—While many teenage groups reflect the diversity of Australia’s multicultural society, some are dominated by teenagers from particular ethnic backgrounds.
Ethnic-based teenage groups (sometimes referred to as ‘gangs’) are common in those immigrant communities that have been in Australia for the briefest time. Group members find a level of acceptance that is not readily available elsewhere. Ethnic-based groups often have a strong spatial association with particular suburban areas.