"We break the cycle…": Motivations for prosocial advocacy among former gang members to end gang involvement. Issue 6 (5th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitney‐Snel, Kendall; Valdez, Christine E.; Totaan, Jessica
• Is Part Of: Journal of community psychology. Volume 48:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 1929
• Page End: 1941
• Publication Date: 2020-06-05
• Subjects: advocacy -- gangs -- gang departure -- gang violence; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Social psychiatry -- Periodicals; Community Mental Health Services -- Periodicals; 362.2205
• DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0090-4392

Abstract

Abstract: Gangs pose an extreme threat to at‐risk individuals and disenfranchised communities. A unique insight into the gang life and a changing life narrative among former gang members may be assets in educating communities about systemic factors perpetuating gang activity. This grounded theory analysis examines motivations for joining and leaving gangs among 28 former gang members (age, M = 44; 87.5% male; 56.3% Hispanic or Latino) and explores motivations to improve societal outcomes via prosocial advocacy to end gang involvement. Narratives suggest a social–ecological system marked by adversity can inform motivations for joining and leaving gangs, and the potential of repurposing one's life into a social change agent. Findings indicate the changing perspective of former gang members can aid in deterring gang involvement if provided a platform to share their negative experiences of gang life and regrets for their actions in their communities to instigate societal change.