| Gang involvement is a continuous and increasing problem in the metropolitan areas of the United States, particularly for Hispanic American youth, who may affiliate with gangs for complex reasons. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine the transitional experiences of 11 Hispanic American youth who joined gangs in a large West Coast, American city. While it is known that gang membership impacts local communities, residents, and community stakeholders a gap remains in the current literature about the lived experiences of Hispanic American youth who decide to join gangs. Using strain theory as a conceptual framework, a phenomenological study was conducted using semi-structured interview questions related to gang involvement, peer influences, relationships, security, and cultural similarities to explore how Hispanic American youth decide to become involved in gangs from psychological, social, and economic perspectives. Resultant data were analyzed, themed, and categorized using NVivo 9 software. Findings from this multi-factorial inquiry revealed that a lack of intrafamilial structure and family breakdown facilitated the pursuit of a proxy kinship system sought in gang affiliation. This information will provide scholars and professionals with an emic perspective of decision-making processes of these Hispanic American youth and the nuances of the gang lifestyle. Implications for positive social change include giving Hispanic American gang members a voice in informing the community and literature about their experiences, thus supporting investment in the people and communities directly impacted by Hispanic American gang activity. |
