Conclusions and General Principles of a Critical Realist Approach to Gangs

Abstract

The thesis presented in this monograph argues that on the one hand our approach towards UK gangs must not become too comfortable with the pre-suppositions of knowledge (particularly from other places and countries), however, on the other hand to agree that our knowledge of gangs is socially constructed and fallible does not mean we cannot have rational and empirical grounds for making judgements that have a genuine purchase on reality (Bhaskar in The possibility of naturalism: A philosophical critique of the contemporary human sciences. Harvester Wheat-sheaf, Hemel Hempstead, UK, 1989). In short, the chapter provides some of the tenets of a Critical Realist approach to gangs. Moreover, in order to achieve a more inclusive process of policy-making, we must constantly seek to redefine our perceptions of the truth in order to reach an ethical consensus. This process can be carried out by theory testing with stakeholders. The approach is based on empirical observations of gang related issues, which are informed by unavoidable partial pre-suppositions, which are then tested against other evidence and experiences. This process, which combines a critical realist approach to cycles of action research potentially, provides for a more justifiable and democratic decision-making process in policy and practice.