Temporal order of gang membership and drug usage

The temporal order of gang membership and drug usage is a much contested issue, with limited consensus. Swahn et al (2010) states that early marijuana and alcohol use are risk factors for engaging in a gang. In a study with San Franciscan gangs, Mackenzie et al (2006:115) found that 51% of members had used marijuana prior to engaging in the gang. Use of hard drugs is believed to have begun after joining a gang.

Theory may assist in understanding the order of events. The selection hypothesis suggests that gang members possess certain characteristics and would engage in drug usage and delinquent acts even if they were not part of a gang, being more prone to this type of behaviour. Gang membership does not facilitate involvement in these activities (Thornberry et al, 1993.) However this hypothesis has been criticised, as some studies have found that gang members reported higher levels of drug use whilst actively involved in the gang.

The second model is that of the social facilitation hypothesis. This theory suggests that there is no distinct difference between gang and non-gang members. The gang realm is thus the dividing factor, as it is influential in fostering drug using behaviour, where gang norms and behaviour act as a facilitator and motivator. Gang members may then exhibit a decrease in delinquent behaviour and drug usage when they disengage from the gang (Gordon et al, 2004; Thornberry et al, 1993; Thornberry et al. 2003).

A third model exists, a mixed model which combines the selection hypothesis, and social facilitation hypothesis. This is referred to as the enhancement model. Gangs are viewed as attracting members who already possess certain intrinsic attitudes and behaviours and who already may be involved in drug usage. However the gang culture does play a influential role as it provides a normative structure which facilitates and enhances drug usage (Katz et al, 2005:64-65). This is supported by findings of higher levels of substance usage by gang members in comparison to non-gang members (Battin et al., 1998; Thornberry et al., 1993). Esbensen and Huizinga (1993) found that gang members exhibited high rates of delinquency before joining a gang, but inclusion in the gang further elevated these levels and accordingly, leaving a gang decreased these levels.

There are various theories proposed with regard to the temporal order of gang involvement and drug usage. Researchers have not yet reached consensus on this issue and it remains unclear if substance usage precedes engaging in a gang, or if it begins as a result of joining a gang.

The interaction of gangs and drugs has been explored with the use of various literature. Both South African and internationally developed gang typologies illustrate that drug trade is firmly entrenched within all types of gangs. Gang activities emphasis the connection between gangs and drugs with drugs being evident in the day to day functioning of the gang as well as serving functions within it, for example facilitating attainment of the groups‟ goals. Finally the temporal order of gang involvement and drug usage was explored.

4.4. CONCLUSION

It has been established that certain risk factors exist which may increase the likelihood of an individual using substances. When identifying these factors, they present as reminiscent of the risk factors associated with engaging in a gang. There further is a clear link between gang membership and substance usage. This interaction was explored by reviewing existing literature. It became clear that substances play a role within gang culture. The various functions which substances play within gang activities were discussed. The concept of gang territory highlighted that gang members are involved in drug trade, as well as consumption. Drug trade was explored and it became evident that drugs provide a lucrative income for gangs.

It has been established in literature that drugs and gang membership co-occur. There is however uncertainty with regards to the temporal order. Some theories have been presented, such as the social facilitation model, the selection hypothesis and the enhancement model in order to understand the process. It remains unclear if drug usage precedes gang membership, or if it is a consequence of engaging in a gang.

This chapter presents literature pertaining to drug usage and gangs. It becomes evident that limited resources exist with regards to the role of drugs in gangs within the South African context. Existing literature has focused on the drug trade of South Africa, but little emphasis has been placed on drug usage of gang members. Substance usage and gang functioning are

complex and convoluted, and exist within multiple contexts. Katz et al (2005; 84) emphasises that findings cannot be generalized to broader communities, as each gang issue is unique. There appears to be a need therefore for more knowledge about the role which drugs play within South African gangs.

Based on the literature review chapters, the next chapter will present the empirical findings which were undertaken to test the established literature and to fill in gaps in knowledge.

CHAPTER 5

A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF GANGS AND DRUGS

5.1. INTRODUCTION

Previous chapters have explored various aspects of the gang phenomenon. Chapter two presented popular definitions of a gang by Thrasher (1927), Klein (1971) and Goldstein (1991). The evolution of a gang was further explored through the use of the social systems theory, where various suprasystems which play a role in the formation of a gang were identified and discussed. Finally gang typologies by Pinnock (1984) were presented, as was gang culture, in terms of gang activities.

Chapter three explored the motivational factors involved in an individual‟s decision to engage in a gang. This was achieved through the use of Bronfenbrenner‟s (1994) ecological perspective as well as Maslow‟s (1987) motivational theory. Maslow‟s (1987) motivational theory identifies human needs such as physiological, safety, belonging and esteem as well as the need for self actualization. These needs motivate human behaviour and were further linked to the individual‟s choice to engage in a gang. The ecological perspective states that the individual is nestled within various systems, which interact in a reciprocal manner (Bronfennbrenner, 1994:38). Various systems which play a role in the individual‟s choice to engage in a gang, including the family, peer group and school, were identified.

Chapter four went on to explore the interaction between substance usage and gangs. Risk factors for engaging in drug usage such as familial drug usage were indicated, and the increase in the likelihood of the individual using substances through modelling, noted (Brook et al, 1990; Kilpatrick et al, 2000). Stressful life events such as exposure to violence and experiences of abuse were identified as further increasing the probability of drug usage (Kilpatrick et al, 2000; Duncan et al, 1996). Finally the role of drugs within gangs‟ activities was explored.

Kinnes (2008:4) states that “one cannot separate the South African gangs from drugs”. Chapter four illustrated that a relationship exists between gangs and drugs. However the nature of this relationship is unclear.

This chapter four aims to offer insight into this relationship, identifying how gang activities and drugs interact. Furthermore the temporal order of the relationship was explored. This chapter four aimed to verify the literature review conducted and where possible provide a South African perspective on the phenomenon of gangs and drugs.

Based on the literature review chapters, a questionnaire was assembled and administered and the empirical findings will now be presented. Findings will be presented in tables and figures. Narratives of the participants will further be presented, in order to provide a thick description of themes.