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ABSTRACT
Research has seldom examined how identity mechanisms facilitate violence among gang members. Relying on life history interviews with self-identified former gang members, we use identity theory to explore the relationship between commitment to the gang identity and violence. Results indicate that the relationship between commitment and violence is complex. Specifically, for individuals with a high degree of cognitive commitment to the gang identity, violence will be used to achieve positive and confirming reflected appraisals. However, once gang members have achieved congruence between reflected appraisals and identity standards, a threshold is reached where violence is no longer required.
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Notes on contributors
Bryan F. Bubolz
BRYAN F BUBOLZ is an assistant professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His research focuses on street gangs, violent extremism, domestic terrorism, and desistance.
Sou Lee
SOU LEE is a current doctoral student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His research focuses on street and prison gangs, and juvenile delinquency. His current research explores the role of prison gangs in the Philippines.