Achieving Wellbeing and Prosocial Transformation Through Social Mobilisation: An Evaluation of a Gang Empowerment Strategy

Abstract

Adult gangs hold a criminalised and deviantised position in Aoteaora/New Zealand. Further, a host of strategies have been enacted to remove or obliterate the ‘gang problem’. These strategies’ lack of efficacy can be attributed to the imposition deficit-based criminogenic constructions on populations that are misunderstood and continually othered. The current study documents an evaluation of a gang-driven social mobilisation initiative. Identified outcomes are linked to the rejection of deficit and criminogenic epistemology in favour of a holistic appreciation of the socio-historical self. Criminogenic strategies have been found to entrench gang membership. In contrast, a holistic appreciation provides a foundation for social mobilisation where the membership is best placed to respond to their own needs.