I am who you say I am; I am what you make me: An exploratory analysis of gangs in the heartland

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Through the lens of multiple marginalities, this qualitative study explores the lived experience of former gang members in an emergent midsize city. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, this study examines contributing factor to gang involvement. Additional methodologies were employed; including historical analysis of local law enforcement agency reports and content analysis of 150 local newspaper articles. Due to the focus of this research, the participants in the study were African Americans.

Finding and Conclusion: Findings reveal the process of joining gangs in Tulsa, OK evolved out of normative features within particular communities and neighborhoods; whereby, multigenerational gang involvement is observed. Concentrated poverty play a critical role in shaping one's thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. Cited as a contributing factor for gang membership (Hagedorn 1989; Spergel 1990; Vigil 1988), low socioeconomic status impacts the vulnerability to gang recruitment. This study concludes a higher prevalence of gang formation occurs within communities, and among adolescents, who experienced multiple marginalities. The results of this dissertation provides support of Dr. James Vigil's Multiple Marginality model, which suggests segmented labor markets, historical poverty, racism, and social isolation interact to produce situations in which the community and its residents are outside of, or marginal to, the legitimate economy.