Bonds in gangs: understanding the importance of group processes within street gangs

Although the social psychological contributions made within recent years have provided input to further understanding of the key factors that influence gang members, there is still much that remains unknown in the area. Criminological theories and research have highlighted the importance of group processes in gang membership, but it is only recently that specific group processes have received psychological research consideration. This chapter considers the importance of viewing gangs as groups, and of identifying the individual group processes that may impact on gang members’ social cognitive processes. Importantly, it outlines the relevance of how gang members perceive specific group processes to the area, and presents unpublished data to outline how individual social cognition and the choices made by gang members to join or form gangs link to group processes. Gaps in knowledge are discussed and addressed as are implications for theoretical advancement and intervention developments. Conclusions focus on the significance of studying group processes in gangs, particularly gang members’ perceptions of their importance, and how ignoring them could contribute to failure of interventions.