Determinants of gang affiliation in Singaporean youth offenders: social and familial factors. Issue 1 (12th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Chi Meng; Daffern, Michael; Thomas, Stuart; Yaming, Ang; Long, Mavis; O'Brien, Kate
• Is Part Of: Journal of aggression, conflict and peace research. Volume 7:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2015-01-12
• Subjects: Aggressiveness -- Periodicals; Conflict management -- Periodicals; Family violence -- Periodicals; Peace building -- Periodicals; 362.8292
• DOI: 10.1108/JACPR-11-2013-0031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-6599

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – Gang affiliation in youth is associated with increased criminal recidivism and an exaggeration of various criminogenic needs; affiliation also meets a variety of youth's personal and social needs. The purpose of this paper is to describe a study of the self-reported reasons for joining and leaving gangs, as well as the difficulties faced by Singaporean youth offenders in leaving youth gangs; it also explores the relationship between gang affiliation and family connectedness, educational attainment and early exposure to gangs. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – This prospective study involved structured interviews and administration of questionnaires with 168 youth offenders in Singapore. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the research questions. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – Gang-affiliated youth cited a desire to establish and maintain friendships as their primary reasons for joining a gang. Youth who left their gang reported maturing beyond this need and the activities of their gang, particularly in light of the deleterious impact of their gang-related activities on familial relationships and employment and financial status. Early exposure to gangs through family and neighborhood influences, and poor educational engagement increased the likelihood that youth would join a gang. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – This study highlights the need for clinicians and other service providers to better understand the universal human needs that are met through gang affiliation and the correlates of affiliation. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – Few studies have directly examined the factors relating to gang affiliation in a non-western context; this study may be relevant to professionals working in the juvenile justice and offender rehabilitation arenas.</p> </sec> </abstract>