Gangs, urban violence and marginalized youth: The rationality of the violence and criminal membership

Gangs are unique, and so are their raison d'être. If we want to help young people out of gangs, we need to also come up with tailored and suitable ways to do so.

In this episode of Political Bark we discuss criminal gangs. We explore the reasons people, and especially youth decided to join gangs, what they gain from such a membership, and what can lead them to commit both petty but also atrocious acts of violence. Senior Lecturer at King´s College London, Dr. Kieran Mitton, who specializes in field research on violence and marginalized youth, with extensive field research from Sierra Leon, Brazil and South Africa is our guest today. He reflects on the psychology of gangs, the different reasons individuals choose gang membership, and highlights which public policies are effective and which are counterproductive in addressing gang related issues.

As mentioned at the end of this episode, everyone needs to check out this great initiative and important NGO: WAYout that helps young gang members in Sierra Leona leave gangs and gang milieus, aiding them in transferring their skills to other things - such as music, film and writing.

"WAYout changes the lives of street, vulnerable and conflict affected young people through the arts. We offer training and shelter, make films that can effect change and record music that enables the excluded to re-engage. We promote artistic freedom, education and empowerment".

http://www.wayoutarts.org/