Disillusionment and Change: A Cognitive-Emotional Theory of Gang Exit

Abstract

Exit from street gangs has received increased attention in recent years; however, a number of important questions regarding the process of leaving remain unanswered. Relying on identity theory, we present a cognitive-emotional theory of gang exit that emphasizes functional dimensions of anger in terms of motivating individuals to pursue identity change related to gang membership. Specifically, anger provides gang members with an opportunity to identify the gang as a major source of their problems. According to identity theory, anger is generated when there is an inability to meet an identity standard. This article argues that an inability to meet identity goals produces disillusionment and anger, which reduces the relative importance of the gang identity and facilitates exit from gangs.

Notes

¹ When referencing the term “gang,” we rely on Spergel and Curry’s (1990:388) definition, which is, “a group or collectivity of persons with a common identity who interact in cliques or sometimes as a whole group on a fairly regular basis and whose activities the community may view in varying degrees as legitimate, illegitimate, criminal, or some combination thereof.” For a thorough discussion on the complexities of defining gangs and gang members please see Ball and Curry (1995).

² For example, Fleisher and Krienert (2004) argued that female gang members intentionally pursued pregnancy because it was viewed by others in the gang as a legitimate reason for leaving. The findings presented by Fleisher and Krienert (2004) were tested by Varriale (2008) and produced conflicting results; however there were numerous limitations and concerns associated with their use of the NLSY dataset to test this hypothesis.

³ See Gibson et al. (2009) as well as Spano, Freilich, and Bolland (2008) for a discussion of the evidence that a relationship between gang membership and victimization does not exist.

⁴ For more information see Decker’s (1996) discussion on the threat hypothesis.

⁵ A similar sense of disloyalty characterizes current and former members of violent right-wing extremist groups (Bjoro 2009). Many of these individuals complained of betrayal by friends who they thought were loyal which resulted in a strong sense of paranoia toward other members.

⁶ See Bromley and Shupe (1979) for a discussion on the authoritarian nature of cults and how this can lead to conflict among members.

⁷ The extent to which a gang operates as a business and is involved in drug sales has been shown to depend on the degree that a gang is organized. Decker and colleagues (2008) found that gangs with a higher degree of organization were associated with a higher degree of drug sales.

⁸ This article argues that experiences within the gang may facilitate the need for a change in one’s identity as a gang member; however, Vigil (1988a:151) argues that the gang may also serve to reconcile inner psychological conflicts for many youth who join. Specifically, Vigil (1988a) discusses how the gang reconciles conflict among one’s ideal, feared, claimed, and real identities.

⁹ See Goffman (1961) for a similar discussion of role distance.

¹⁰ Previous research demonstrates that the reasons for joining gangs are similar for males and females as well as racial and ethnic groups. Specifically, individuals from each of these categorical distinctions join gangs hoping to find protection within the group, familial support, and economic success (Campbell 1984; Fleisher 2000; Jankowski 1991; Klein 1995; Moore 1978; Padilla 1992; Short and Strodtbeck 1964; Thrasher 1927; Valdez 2007; Vigil 1988a).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bryan F. Bubolz

BRYAN F. BUBOLZ is an Assistant Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at The University of Southern Mississippi. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His research interests include juvenile delinquency and street gangs, extremist movements and domestic terrorism, and desistance.

Pete Simi

PETE SIMI is an Associate Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His research interests include developmental and social psychological approaches to studying juvenile delinquency, street gangs, and extremist movements.