Why foes johnny feel that the gang cannot replace a caring family?

Johnny feels that the gang cannot replace a caring family because, despite their camaraderie, they lack the genuine emotional support and unconditional love that a family provides. He recognizes that their bond is rooted in survival and shared experiences rather than the deep, nurturing connections found in a true family. This realization makes him long for a sense of belonging and care that he feels is absent in the gang dynamic. Ultimately, Johnny understands that the gang's relationships are built on necessity rather than the warmth of familial love.