A gang is a group of individuals who through the organization, formation, and establishment of an assemblage share a common identity. In early English usage, it referred to a group of workmen, and later underwent pejoration.
Gang generally carries a negative connotation, however, within a gang which defines itself in opposition to mainstream norms, members may adopt the phrase as a statement of identity or defiance. Gang activities are not restricted to typical organized crime groups, It is a minimalist definition specifically designed to enhance comparative street gang research.

Modern usage
The dissimilarity between some gangs has prompted the generation of categories to classify gangs based on finances and activities. They also usually account for the drop out rates in the public school system.
Scavenger gangs are characteristically disorganized and often represent the least successful of all the types of gangs. Members of scavenger gangs may be low achievers, and may be prone to violent or erratic behavior. Because these gangs are not well organized, leadership of scavenger gangs may change frequently and without reason. Scavenger gangs often turn to low-level crime, usually committed spontaneously and without planning. If a scavenger gang can become more organized, it may be able to grow into a territorial gang..