Achieving Wellbeing and Prosocial Transformation Through Social Mobilisation: An Evaluation of a Gang Empowerment Strategy

Abstract

Adult gangs hold a criminalised and deviantised position in Aoteaora/New Zealand.  Further, a host of strategies have been enacted to remove or obliterate the ‘gang problem’.  These strategies’ lack of efficacy can be attributed to the imposition deficit-based criminogenic constructions on populations that are misunderstood and continually othered.  The current study documents an evaluation of a gang-driven social mobilisation initiative.  Identified outcomes are linked to the rejection of deficit and criminogenic epistemology in favour of a holistic appreciation of the socio-historical self.  Criminogenic strategies have been found to entrench gang membership.  In contrast, a holistic appreciation provides a foundation for social mobilisation where the membership is best placed to respond to their own needs.