The unravelling of identities and belonging: Criminal gang involvement from youth of immigrant families
Abstract
This study examined criminal gang involvement of youth from immigrant families in Calgary, AB based on 30 interviews. Calgary, AB. Our analysis showed that gang-involved youth had experienced multiple, severe and prolonged personal and interpersonal challenges in all facets of their lives and that gradual disintegration of their relationships with family, school and community had resulted in the unravelling of self-concept, ethnic identity, sense of belonging and sense of citizenship and progressively propelled them towards membership in high-risk social cliques and criminal gangs. Our findings brought attention to the need for coordinated, comprehensive support for youth from immigrant families through family-based, school-based and community-based programs.
Notes
Future research/gaps identified:
1) Gang members were reluctant to participate due to gang rivalry and/or legal consequences
2) The majority of participants were NOT central and/or high ranking gang members
3) The majority of participants were male
Location – Calgary, AB
Open access – No
Community organizations: n/a
Integration timeline: 4 – 25 years post arrival (average of 15 years post-arrival)
Key findings
Common themes that led youth to gang-involvement included:
1) pre-migration trauma
2) difficulties at home / in their families
3) difficulties in school
4) lack of community, belonging and sense of identity
5) racism
Key populations: immigrant youth involved with gangs in Calgary, AB
Key recommendations
Create supports for youth from immigrant families that are community-based, family-based and school-based