Perspectives of former gang members on aspects leading to gang involvement in a semi-rural area in the Western Cape

Abstract

The research question guiding this qualitative research was “What are the perspectives of former gang members on aspects leading to gang involvement in a semi-rural area in the Western Cape?” A case study design has been followed with semi-structured interviews which allowed four former gang members to talk about aspects which led to their involvement in gangs. Understanding of such aspects could be relevant in the prevention of gang involvement among younger children. Three themes were identified which answered the research question, namely that poverty and unemployment push young persons to gangs, Conversely, fundamental human needs of belonging and participation are fulfilled with gang involvement and gangs serve as replacement for families. A fourth theme was not related directly to the research question and focused on issues on macro level regarding policies and strategies dealing with gangs and incarceration