Disengagement From Gangs as Role Transitions

Abstract

Most research has focused on the onset and consequences of gang membership, neglecting the importance of leaving the gang. Disengagement from gangs often occurs during the transition to adulthood, a critical period of the life course. While leaving gangs has received growing attention over the past decade, absent from this research has been a suitable theoretical perspective with which to frame disengagement. This study drew on Ebaugh's theory of role exit to examine disengagement among 260 former gang members. We find disengagement to be a drawn-out process, replete with many failures and obstacles. We conclude with a discussion of these implications for practitioners, policymakers, and future research.

Exploring the transferability and applicability of gang evaluation methodologies to counter-violent radicalisation

“…Criminology has developed a rich body of research related to desistance, built on life-course theory, which may have direct relevance for counter-radicalisation (Bottoms et al, 2004;Decker et al, 2014;LaFree and Miller, 2008;McNeill, 2012;Shapland and Bottoms, 2011).…”

"We are the Peace Team": Exploring transformation among previously gang-involved young men in Cape Town

“…Individuals fluctuated between the stages of being "completely in" the gang, "first doubts", "anticipatory socialisation", "turning points" and being "completely out" of the gang 18:273 . First doubts start in the back of the individual's mind and gradually become more prominent, for example, having doubts about the gang lifestyle 18 . Anticipatory socialisation entails a process of role experimentation such as joining a gang outreach programme or trying to become a better parent by severing ties with the gang.…”

“…Much of the previous research with gang-involved youth was conducted in the United States of America (USA), and has shown that leaving a gang, also known as gang disengagement or desistance, may be a long and challenging process with many failures and obstacles 17,18 . Pyrooz and Decker examined the motives for leaving a gang which they termed "push and pull factors" 17:420 .…”

“…Because these factors typically operate outside of the gang's control, they are viewed as pulling individuals away from the gang and directing them toward new activities and pathways 17 . Decker, Pyrooz and Moule investigated the process of disengagement from gangs in a mixed methods study of 260 former gang members conducted in the USA 18 . They found that disengagement could be viewed as a series of role transitions, often taking place during the transition to adulthood 18 .…”

“…Decker, Pyrooz and Moule investigated the process of disengagement from gangs in a mixed methods study of 260 former gang members conducted in the USA 18 . They found that disengagement could be viewed as a series of role transitions, often taking place during the transition to adulthood 18 . Individuals fluctuated between the stages of being "completely in" the gang, "first doubts", "anticipatory socialisation", "turning points" and being "completely out" of the gang 18:273 .…”