Factors Attracting and Discouraging Adolescent Boys in High-Prevalence Communities From Becoming Involved in Gangs

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors discouraging adolescent boys from choosing to become involved in gangsterism, as well as to understand the temptation of becoming involved in gangs. Four focus groups and three in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 23 colored adolescent males between the ages of 16 and 18 years residing in gang-prevalent areas in the Western Cape, South Africa. Attraction to gangs was indicated in terms of external factors, including material gain, entertainment, substance availability, dominance, and survival, as well as internal factors of acceptance and belonging, esteem, and loyalty. Personal factors such as ambition/aspiration, identity, responsibility, and morals emerged as factors discouraging participants from gang involvement, as did relational factors including respect for others, family values, positive relationships, and reputation. Furthermore, fears of danger and its consequences, avoidance of unpleasant psychological experiences and loss, and perceived purposelessness were highlighted as significant factors at play in participants’ decisions against gang involvement. If these findings can be acknowledged and attended to by various systems involved in youth development, greater preventative support may be provided for youth at risk.