Exploring links between Violent Victimization and Gang Membership: The Role of Neighborhood Perceptions and Collective Efficacy

• In Event: Gang- and Group-based Offending and Victimization

Abstract

Introduction: Although the positive association between gang membership and victimization has been well documented, there is persisting belief among youth that gang membership offers protection against violence. To better understand why, we examine how perceptions of neighborhood safety and collective efficacy potentially moderate the association between gang membership and violent victimization. Moreover, we explore whether gang membership mediates the relationship between perceptions of neighborhood and violent victimization.

Methods: Utilizing path modeling in Mplus, we use data from 3,640 middle and high school students across multiple districts within St. Louis County to examine how perceptions of neighborhood safety, collective efficacy, and self-identified gang membership are associated with subsequent violent victimization.

Results: Initial results suggest that gang membership, perceptions of neighborhood disorder, and collective efficacy are independently associated with violent victimization, with path models suggesting complex relationships between these items.

Conclusion: This study will help identify mechanisms linking gang membership with subsequent violent victimization.

Authors

• Austin Wyatt Sr., University of Memphis

• Stephen Watts, University of Memphis

• Timothy McCuddy, University of Memphis