‘They Knew Where I Was Coming From’: Sociohistorical Identity Factors in Cambodian American Gang Involvement

Tyler Sar; Lisa Kiang

doi:10.29333/ejecs/2147

Authors

Tyler Sar
Lisa Kiang Wake Forest University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2147

Keywords:

Cambodian American, Identity, Externalizing, Qualitative, Gang Identity

Abstract

This qualitative study applies bioecological systems theory to understand Cambodian American (CA) gang-involved youth, including their motivation for joining and the sociohistoric and relationship factors contributing to their gang involvement and later disengagement. Insights from six CA men (M_age= 34 years, SD = 12.3 years), collected through qualitative interviews and coded through content analysis and grounded theory approaches, suggest that most joined due to a lack of a father figure and weak parent-child relationships. They remained affiliated due to peers, proximity to risk, social support, and protection from discrimination, and left gang life due to incarceration, family, and recognition of danger. Implications for promoting positive change among this understudied population are discussed.

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Author Biographies

Tyler Sar

Tyler Sar is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at CHE Behavioral Health Services. He received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and a Masters in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Lisa Kiang, Wake Forest University

Lisa Kiang is Professor of Psychology at Wake Forest University. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Denver and studies ethnic-racial identity and socialization among youth and adolescents.

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