Disengagement From Gangs as Role Transitions. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Decker, Scott H.; Pyrooz, David C.; Moule, Richard K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of research on adolescence. Volume 24:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 283
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Adolescence -- Periodicals; 155.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jora.12074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-8392

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jora12074-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>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.</p> </abstract>