What makes young people get involved with street gangs in London? A study of the perceived risk factors

Aims: This study examined the perceived determinants of street gang-related antisocial behaviour and crime of young people in a deprived and ethnically diverse community in London. Methods: 26 participants were recruited from two youth centres (one sport and one art-based program) from the borough of Tower Hamlets. Participants took part in four focus groups organised into two youth (N=14) and two adult (N=12) sub-groups. The focus group questions explored participants’ understanding of their community and social environment, their social interaction with the local young people and youth gangs. Data was analysed using a thematic approach and key factors associated with youth street gang involvement were identified. Results: Participants highlighted a series of determinants, which were centred on social predispositions and psychological factors. Associated risk factors were heavily embedded in the racial and religious tensions within the borough. Conclusion: Therefore, context-specific to the individual communities' risk factors should be identified prior to the development and implementation of intervention strategies to enhance their potential for impact.