Abstract
Statement of the Problem The qualitative study of gang-affiliated family members and children's gang membership is essential because further findings can fill the gap in the literature. The current literature states a correlation between gang-affiliated family members and children's gang membership; however, the current literature does not expand on how gang-affiliated family members affect children's decisions to join a gang. Therefore, this qualitative study explores how gang-affiliated family members affect their children's choices on joining a gang.
Sources of Data
The researcher gathered data from online interviews with ten adults who lived with gang-affiliated family members during their childhood in a large-sized Northern California city.
Conclusions Reached
The qualitative research produced findings on how gang-affiliated family members both encouraged and discouraged children from joining gangs. Drawing upon Thornberry’s Interactional Theory as a theoretical framework, the study explored how gang-affiliated family members affect children’s decisions on whether or not to join a gang (Thornberry, 1987). The findings suggest that several contributing factors influence children’s gang membership, such as the desire for respect, protection, and a sense of brotherhood. Interestingly, the research also revealed ways in which non-gang family members prevented children from associating with gang-affiliated family members through redirection and shaming. In conclusion, this qualitative research addressed the gap in the current literature on gangs by providing in-depth findings on how gang-affiliated family members affect children’s decisions for gang membership. Most importantly, the research suggests the need for further research regarding gang-affiliated family members and children’s gang membership and provides recommendations for policymakers concerning the implementation of intervention and prevention programs aimed at mitigating children’s gang membership.