Elisabeth Betz | La Trobe University (original) (raw)
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TASA Conference Proceedings , Nov 2013
This paper argues that Tongan gangs are ‘alternative families’ that inter-generationally transmit... more This paper argues that Tongan gangs are ‘alternative families’ that inter-generationally transmit street-related normative behaviour. Young Pacific Islander people growing up in disadvantaged families and neighbourhoods are often classified ‘at risk’ of joining gang affiliations (Nakhid 2009: 113). Absent parental control and social support can result in a search for alternative protection and belonging. Drawing on data derived from multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork in Tonga, New Zealand and Australia between 2011 and 2013, including 60 interviews with young Tongans on ways of self and social identification, it will be argued that young people from malfunctioning social backgrounds are likely to join gangs as ‘alternative families’. It will be illustrated, that similar to inter-family learning, older gang members teach younger ‘siblings’ the ‘family rules’. In such environments, processes of becoming and accompanied aspirations are marked by the street and street-related normative behaviours. By looking at two case studies and the historical origins of contemporary Pacific oppositions, it will be argued that ‘gang families’ transmit normative behaviours inter-generationally.
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TASA Conference Proceedings , Nov 2013
This paper argues that Tongan gangs are ‘alternative families’ that inter-generationally transmit... more This paper argues that Tongan gangs are ‘alternative families’ that inter-generationally transmit street-related normative behaviour. Young Pacific Islander people growing up in disadvantaged families and neighbourhoods are often classified ‘at risk’ of joining gang affiliations (Nakhid 2009: 113). Absent parental control and social support can result in a search for alternative protection and belonging. Drawing on data derived from multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork in Tonga, New Zealand and Australia between 2011 and 2013, including 60 interviews with young Tongans on ways of self and social identification, it will be argued that young people from malfunctioning social backgrounds are likely to join gangs as ‘alternative families’. It will be illustrated, that similar to inter-family learning, older gang members teach younger ‘siblings’ the ‘family rules’. In such environments, processes of becoming and accompanied aspirations are marked by the street and street-related normative behaviours. By looking at two case studies and the historical origins of contemporary Pacific oppositions, it will be argued that ‘gang families’ transmit normative behaviours inter-generationally.