Any of Them Will Do: In-Group Identification, Out-Group Entitativity, and Gang Membership as Predictors of Group-Based Retribution

作者：Vasquez Eduardo A^*; Wenborne Lisa; Peers Madeline; Alleyne Emma; Ellis Kirsty

来源：Aggressive Behavior, 2015, 41(3): 242-252.

DOI：10.1002/ab.21581

• inter-gang aggression
• group-based retribution
• in-group identification
• out-group entitativity
• gang revenge

In non-gang populations, the degree of identification with an in-group and perceptions of out-group entitativity, the perception of an out-group as bonded or unified, are important contributors to group-based aggression or vicarious retribution. The link between these factors and group-based aggression, however, has not been examined in the context of street gangs. The current study assessed the relationship among in-group identification, perceptions of out-group entitativity, and the willingness to retaliate against members of rival groups who did not themselves attack the in-group among juvenile gang and non-gang members in London. Our results showed the predicted membership (gang/non-gang) x in-group identification x entitativity interaction. Decomposition of the three-way interaction by membership revealed a significant identification x entitativity interaction for gang, but not for non-gang members. More specifically, gang members who identify more strongly with their gang and perceived a rival group as high on entitativity were more willing to retaliate against any of them. In addition, entitativity was a significant predictor of group-based aggression after controlling for gender, in-group identification, and gang membership. Our results are consistent with socio-psychological theories of group-based aggression and support the proposal that such theories are applicable for understanding gang-related violence.

• 出版日期2015-6