(To be revised)

.Which Groups? The Compressed Gang: Small (less than 50 members). It has no sub-groups, a narrow age range and has been in existence for only a few years. The Collective Gang: like the compressed gangs, but bigger with a wider age range but no sub-groups. It is a “shapeless mass” of adolescent and young adult members that has not developed the distinguishing characteristics of traditional and neo- traditional gangs. (Klein, 2001) “A youth gang, or troublesome youth group, is a durable, street- orientated youth group whose involvement in illegal activity is part of their group identity” (Eurogang website, 2008)

Why South Wales? On a practical level the reason for choosing South Wales is: Time Through my work I should be in a better position to gain meaningful contact with groups, individuals and organisations in South Wales than elsewhere On another level : Much of the current research appears to be carried out in cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester: there is therefore scope to study smaller conurbations. Plus...

The Aims and Objectives It is the intention of this study to consider and evaluate the different uses, purposes and especially meaning(s) of violent acts in and between gang members in the villages, towns and cities of South Wales. Therefore the study aims (at least initially) to consider: The extent of the violence The nature of the violence The meaning(s) of that violence - to other members of the gang / members of other gangs / victims / peers etc

The Aims and Objectives (cont.) Plus, the study could: Provide an explanation of the use of violence (How much violence occurs? How does it manifest itself? In what situations would it occur?) Consider the possibility of the amplification of violence as a result of “gang membership”

Selection of Subjects Teens and possibly those in their early 20s, although this could be subject to change, accessed through: Probation Service Pupil Referral Units Young Offenders Institutions Schools Youth groups Community groups Any other source that appears to be useful. Not all subjects would have come into contact with the criminal justice system, and not all would be gang members

Selection of Subjects(cont.) Other groups / individuals could provide an additional pool of information, such as: Community workers Social workers Police officers Youth workers YOT staff Local councillors

Research Methods Unstructured personal interviews initially, leading to: More structured / semi-structured interviews when key themes identified. Tape / digitally recorded wherever possible

Ethical Considerations The Social Research Association’s Ethical guidelines of December 2003 (p.14) state: “Social researchers must strive to protect subjects from undue harm arising as a consequence of their participation in research. This requires that subjects’ participation should be voluntary and as fully informed as possible....”

Avoiding Stigmatisation Confidentiality Pseudonyms “Gang” or “troublesome youth group” ?

Disclosure of Information Subjects’ anonymity will be assured, but... Disclosure may be legally required by statute or may be in the public interest e.g. a child/young person is being subject to abuse or is at risk of significant harm – further guidance will be sought The extent of anonymity, and any potential areas where the confidentiality of the interview may be broken, will be explained to the respondent at the outset

Disclosure of Information (cont.) Is it necessary to give an “everything will be treated confidentially except XY and Z...” statement? What is “significant harm” is, and how will this be identified / judged upon?

Respondent & Researcher Safety Secure venues Confidentiality (as far as this may be possible) But... How should illegal behaviour in the presence of the researcher be treated? What happens if the young person becomes troubled / upset?

Parental Consent & its Absence Younger subjects should possess full decision-making capacity. Parental consent for under-16s, but: What if there is no parental consent? Will it mean that important information would have to be ignored? Is it realistic to have no contact with young people who have not produced parental consent?