Is ethnic and racial identity a potentiating or protective factor in the association between youth victimization and gang-joining? Distinguishing between exploration and affirmation

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Youth gang membership is a significant public health concern linked to violent victimization. However, not all victimized youth join gangs, highlighting the need to study mitigating factors. Ethnic and racial identity (ERI) is a potential factor, but research has shown mixed results. This study used...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Mendez, Lucybel (Author)
Contributors: Alexander, Ava R. ; Kerig, Patricia
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2024
In: Journal of ethnicity in criminal justice
Year: 2024, Volume: 22, Issue: 3, Pages: 266–287
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Keywords:
Violent Victimization
gang-joining
ethnic identity affirmation
Ethnic and racial identity exploration
Description
Summary:Youth gang membership is a significant public health concern linked to violent victimization. However, not all victimized youth join gangs, highlighting the need to study mitigating factors. Ethnic and racial identity (ERI) is a potential factor, but research has shown mixed results. This study used longitudinal self-report data from the Pathways to Desistance project to examine ERI’s two facets – exploration and affirmation. Findings revealed that victimization increased both ERI aspects, but they had opposite effects on gang-joining. Higher affirmation reduced gang-joining odds and higher exploration increased them. These results highlight the importance of promoting ERI affirmation in gang involvement prevention.
ISSN:1537-7946
DOI:10.1080/15377938.2024.2388112