Gang membership has typically always involved individuals who are male, as gangs were originally founded by men specifically for men. Although males have consistently been more involved with criminality and conventional gang activities, research and statistics have shown females are increasingly becoming involved in gangs and participating in gang criminality (O’Neal, Decker, Moule Jr., and Pyrooz 2016). As noted by O’Neal et al., (2016), the literature is lacking in terms of studying females who commit crimes and more so in regards to females in gangs who choose to disengage. Studies and research on this topic is vastly understudied and needed greatly. O’Neal et.al (2016) stress the urgency of researchers focusing on the role of gender and
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O’Neal et al., (2016) discuss the definition of role concept, as they explicitly discuss four specific stages an individual goes through in leaving the gang. These four stages are “first doubts, seeking alternatives, turning points, and the creation of an ex-role” (O’Neal et al., 2016). Role concept is a subpart of a life course theory, which describes an individual changing the role in which they have partook in for a period of time. Additionally, as found by Pyrooz and Decker (2011) through their study on 84 former gang members, the role concept process alters according to gender based on social and emotional ties that are invested and established within the gang …show more content…
What O’Neal et al., (2016) found was rather consistent with previously published literature. 56% of individuals who were males and 51% of individuals who were female, stated that starting a family and the gang lifestyle losing the attractive appeal were the main reasons that influenced their decision to choose to depart from the gang (O’Neal et al., 2016). Other reasons given were in regards to employment. Career aspects or the desire for future employment accounted for 34% of responses by women and 40% of the reasons given by men (O’Neal et al., 2016). Overall, it was found that gang disengagement was more influenced by the gang “group mentality” and the specific procedures and methods, rather than individual reasoning (O’Neal et al.,
O’Neal et al., (2016) discuss the definition of role concept, as they explicitly discuss four specific stages an individual goes through in leaving the gang. These four stages are “first doubts, seeking alternatives, turning points, and the creation of an ex-role” (O’Neal et al., 2016). Role concept is a subpart of a life course theory, which describes an individual changing the role in which they have partook in for a period of time. Additionally, as found by Pyrooz and Decker (2011) through their study on 84 former gang members, the role concept process alters according to gender based on social and emotional ties that are invested and established within the gang …show more content…
What O’Neal et al., (2016) found was rather consistent with previously published literature. 56% of individuals who were males and 51% of individuals who were female, stated that starting a family and the gang lifestyle losing the attractive appeal were the main reasons that influenced their decision to choose to depart from the gang (O’Neal et al., 2016). Other reasons given were in regards to employment. Career aspects or the desire for future employment accounted for 34% of responses by women and 40% of the reasons given by men (O’Neal et al., 2016). Overall, it was found that gang disengagement was more influenced by the gang “group mentality” and the specific procedures and methods, rather than individual reasoning (O’Neal et al.,