RT Article
T1 Is ethnic and racial identity a potentiating or protective factor in the association between youth victimization and gang-joining? Distinguishing between exploration and affirmation
JF Journal of ethnicity in criminal justice
VO 22
IS 3
SP 266
OP 287
A1 Mendez, Lucybel
A2 Alexander, Ava R.
A2 Kerig, Patricia
LA English
YR 2024
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/189948065X
AB 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.
K1 Violent Victimization
K1 gang-joining
K1 ethnic identity affirmation
K1 Ethnic and racial identity exploration
DO 10.1080/15377938.2024.2388112