Abstract

Over time, sociologists and criminologists have studied youth gangs and in the process, have produced a large body of academic literature on youth gangs. The literature covers youth gangs in migration and refugee populations. However, there is little literature on youth gangs among refugees in refugee camps in low-income countries. This study used subculture, social disorganisation, and ecological systems theories to identify gangs and examine their causes in the Dzaleka refugee camp. The findings of the study indicate the presence of youth gangs within the Dzaleka refugee camp, characterised specifically as retreatist gangs. At structural level, the study found that poverty, a restrictive legal environment, and structural education barriers contribute to youth gang formation and gang affiliation in the camp. These obstacles prevent refugees from achieving their financial and academic goals, causing frustration. At the community level, exposure to violence and a lack of community support promote pro-violence behaviour and weaken social control mechanisms, which fosters youth delinquency and gang membership. Gang affiliation is also linked to poor parenting, weak school attachment, and strong peer support in delinquents, according to the study. The study found that current juvenile delinquency and gang affiliation interventions are insufficient. Thus, to address the gang issue in the camp, authorities should reduce poverty rates by relaxing restrictive legal measures, promoting social integration, and actively involving young gang members, particularly leaders, in order to suppress these gangs.

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School	: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Issued Date	: 2025

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