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Indigenous youth gangs as family

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 00:33 authored by Robert WhiteRobert White
Much of the conventional youth gang literature describes gangs as a sort of 'family' for members. The gang provides a source of support, solidarity and social connection, and thus fulfils some of the functions of a close-knit family unit. What happens, however, when the 'gang' and the 'family' are one and the same? This paper explores the ways in which Indigenous young people experience gang activity as stemming from family membership and family obligations. Indeed, the notion of 'gang' is itself highly contentious for many Indigenous youth, given that their group behaviour is intrinsically bound by cultural and kinship ties. Based on recent gang research in Australia, the paper provides firsthand accounts of what 'life in the gang/life in the family' means for Indigenous young people.

History

Publication title

Youth Studies Australia

Volume

28

Pagination

47-56

ISSN

1038-2569

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies

Place of publication

Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Justice and the law not elsewhere classified

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