This book examines the role of religion and spirituality in desistance from crime and
disengagement from gangs. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with male gang members and offenders
as well as insights gathered from pastors chaplains coaches and personal mentors the
testimonials span three continents focusing on the USA Scotland Denmark and Hong Kong. This
volume offers unique empirical findings about the role that religion and spirituality can play
in enabling some male gang members and offenders to transition into a new social sphere
characterised by the presence of substitute forms of brotherhood and trust and alternative
forms of masculine status. The author presents critical insights into the potential
relationship between religious and spiritual participation and the emergence of coping
strategies to deal with the 'stigmata' that gang masculinity leaves behind. With its
wide-ranging and multi-perspective approach this book will be essential reading for students
and scholars of gang culture masculinity and spirituality as well as policy makers and
practitioners.
