Examinations of Perceived Protection and Actual Protection in the Youth Gang Joining and Desistance Processes

• In Event: Gang Offending, Victimization, and Comparison

Abstract

Many youth join gangs because they believe they will be protected. However, research indicates that gang members have higher rates of victimization (lower actual protection). In this study, we examine how both the perceived protection and actual protection of gangs affect gang joining and desistance. We investigate these relationships using multiple waves of the Gang Resistance Education and Training II (G.R.E.A.T. II) evaluation data, a general sample of youth across 31 schools in 7 cities through Rational Choice and Social Amplification of Risk (SARF) frameworks. Using a series of regressions across both the general sample of youth and youth gang members, we find that perceived protection, but not victimization influences gang joining. Moreover, our findings indicate that youth gang members are at higher risk of victimization. However, neither perceived or actual protection provided by gangs affects gang desistance. While perceived protection is a major pull factor of gang joining, gangs do not provide actual levels of protection, though neither of these processes affect desistance. As such, youth may not be sufficient judges of risk regarding gang joining. Additionally, violence and gang prevention programs should highlight that while gangs may seemingly provide protection, youth gang members are at higher risks of victimization.

Authors

• Jun Wu, Angelo State University

• Robert Geibler, Missouri State University