Determinants of gang affiliation in Singaporean youth offenders: social and familial factors
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-11-2013-0031 |
| Date | 12 January 2015 |
| Published date | 12 January 2015 |
| Pages | 19-32 |
| Author | Chi Meng Chu,Michael Daffern,Stuart Thomas,Ang Yaming,Mavis Long,Kate O'Brien |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Aggression, conflict & peace |
Determinants of gang affiliation in
Singaporean youth offenders: social
and familial factors
Chi Meng Chu, Michael Daffern, Stuart Thomas, Yaming Ang, Mavis Long and Kate O’Brien
Dr Chi Meng Chu is a Senior
Assistant Director and a Principal
Clinical and Forensic
Psychologist, based at Centre for
Research on Rehabilitation and
Protection, Ministry of Social and
Family Development, Singapore
and Clinical and Forensic
Psychology Branch, Ministry of
Social and Family Development,
Singapore.
Michael Daffern is a Professor of
Clinical Forensic Psychology,
based at Centre for Forensic
Behavioural Science, Swinburne
University of Technology,
Melbourne, Australia and Victorian
Institute of Forensic Mental
Health, Melbourne, Australia.
Professor Stuart Thomas is based
at Centre for Forensic Behavioural
Science, Swinburne University of
Technology,Melbourne, Australia,
and School of Psychology,
University of Wollongong,
Wollongong, Australia.
Yaming Ang is a Freelance
Researcher, based formerly at
Ministry of Social and Family
Development, Singapore.
Mavis Long is based at Clinical
and Forensic Psychology Branch,
Ministry of Social and Family
Development, Singapore.
Kate O’Brien is based at School of
Psychological Sciences, Monash
University, Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract
Purpose – Gang affiliation in youthis associated with increased criminalrecidivism and an exaggeration of
various criminogenic needs; affiliationalso meets a variety of youth’spersonal and social needs. The purpose
of this paper is to describea study of the self-reported reasons for joiningand leaving gangs, as well as the
difficulties faced by Singaporean youth offenders in leaving youth gangs; it also explores the relationship
between gang affiliation and family connectedness, educationalattainment and early exposure to gangs.
Design/methodology/approach – This prospective study involved structured interviews and
administration of questionnaires with 168 youth offenders in Singapore. Univariate and multivariate
analyses were conducted to examine the research questions.
Findings – Gang-affiliated youth citeda desire to establishand maintain friendshipsas their primary reasons
for joininga gang. Youthwho left their gang reportedmaturing beyond thisneed and the activities oftheir gang,
particularly in light of the deleterious impact of their gang-related activities on familial relationships and
employment andfinancial status. Early exposure togangs through family and neighborhood influences, and
poor educational engagement increased thelikelihood that youth would join a gang.
Practical implications – This study highlights the need for clinicians and other service providers to better
understand the universal human needs that are met through gang affiliation and the correlates of affiliation.
Originality/value – Few studies have directly examined the factors relating to gang affiliation in a
non-western context; this study may be relevant to professionals working in the juvenile justice and offender
rehabilitation arenas.
Keywords Singapore, Risk assessment, Intervention, Desistance, Human needs, Youth gang
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Gang-affiliatedyouth offenders engage in a wide varietyand disproportionate number of criminal
activities, including violent and drug offenses (Curry, 2000; Curry et al., 2002). Gang-affiliated
youth are more likely to use weapons (Curry, 2000; Curry et al., 2002; Esbensen et al.,1993;
Huff, 1998; Thornberry et al., 1993; White and Mason, 2006) and reoffend at higher rates than
their nongang-affiliated peers (Bendixen et al., 2006; Curry et al., 2002; Esbensen et al.,1993;
Huff, 1998; Thornberry et al., 1993; White and Mason, 2006). Their rehabilitation is multifaceted
and demanding (Benda and Tollett, 1999; Klein, 1995).
Youth gang behavior varies according to environmental and contextual stressors (Hardman,
1967; Spergel, 1995) and the different needs of youth across varied environments. In order to
more fully appreciate the role and function of gang-related behaviors, it is necessary to consider
gang affiliation within the context of youths’ general psychological, functional, and social needs
and to appreciate the subjective value and worth of such affiliations (White and Mason, 2006).
For instance, although gangs may frequently encourage and engage in criminal activities to fund
DOI 10.1108/JACPR-11-2013-0031 VOL. 7 NO. 1 2015, pp. 19-32, CEmerald Group PublishingLimited, ISSN 1759-6599
j
JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, CONFLICT AND PEACE RESEARCH
j
PAGE 19
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