Mothers & Gang Intervention: A Cross-National Account

• In Event: Pathways Out: Interventions, Supportive Relations, and Crime Desistance among Gang-Affiliated and At-Risk Young People

Abstract

Gang intervention specialists go by many names, street outreach workers, pastors, mentors, credible messengers, violence interrupters; ‘mother’ is yet to be considered as part of this list. Through a cross-national comparison based on qualitative studies from El Salvador, Honduras, the UK and the US, this article will demonstrate that mothers or those playing a mothering role take on multiple complex roles in gang intervention and prevention; albeit without recognition or a paycheck. There is a dearth of literature pertaining to the role of mothers in and around gangs and within gang intervention. Using a feminist framework, this presentation highlights the positive roles that mothers play within gang intervention for their own children but also the broader community. Demonstrating how mothers provide care, relational support, practical assistance and advocacy making them credible figures in gang intervention. Studies of gang intervention or broader criminal justice interventions rarely include the role that women play, this study offers a broad and unique methodology to help bridge this gap.

Authors

• Michelle Lyttle Storrod, Widener University

• Ellen Van Damme, Field Research Coaching | ULB | KU Leuven