Abstract
California uses a range of different gang suppression tactics to address issues of gang violence. These gang suppression tactics label individuals as gang members in some capacity. Labeling theory, specifically the work of Sherman (1993), would question potential consequences of these mechanisms. The study seeks to understand the collateral consequences of labeling individuals as gang members. Sherman (1993) theorizes that, given an individual’s background, social bonds, perception of legitimacy toward the label and the agent administering such, and feelings of shame and pride, labels may increase their defiance. The existing literature on labeling theory presents a variety of findings, with results varying according to methodological approaches, sample characteristics, and the specific labels examined. What is evident, however, is that the significance and impact of official labels are shaped by multiple contextual factors, warranting further scholarly examination.
By partnering with two gang rehabilitation non-profits in California, individuals who have been directly impacted by gang suppression tactics and subsequently labeled as gang members were recruited for the study. As a result, ten semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted exploring their personal and gang-related background, Sherman’s (1993) theoretical perspective, and the collateral consequences of labeling. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed.
Analysis of the data produced several themes. Regarding social bonds, participants largely experienced family dysfunction, neighborhood disadvantage, and had negative relationships with the criminal legal system. As for legitimacy, some gang suppression tactics were perceived as fair and justifiable; others were not. Participants displayed feelings of pride and shame. Feelings of pride were more frequently associated with their feelings at the time. In retrospect, a theme of shame emerged. For the most common gang suppression tactics, patterns of defiance, deterrence, and irrelevance were found.