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‘In It From the Beginning’: How Do Young Men and Boys Explain Their Entry Into Criminal Gangs?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article reports on a qualitative study exploring the intersection of mental health, exclusion from school and entry into criminal gangs. It seeks to strengthen the young person’s perspective in the literature. It examines social and psychological mechanisms implicated in the process of joining and staying in gangs. Young people who have experienced exclusion from multiple services reported that, cash earned through illicit drug deals was a key driver to gang membership, enabling them to achieve independence and status. This appeared, at times, more central to their accounts than the search for belonging often cited as a motivator for gang membership.

Source: Youth Justice

DOI: 10.1177/14732254251333697

Authors: Rhiannon Barker, Chris Bonell, G.J. Melendez-Torres

Language: English

Topic: Crime Patterns and Interventions

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650

Funders: National Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Health and Social Care, Health Services Research Programme