Promises kept? A meta-analysis of gang membership prevention programs
Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice
ISSN: 2056-3841
Article publication date: 13 June 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the effects of gang prevention programs on gang membership.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a systematic literature review across 19 bibliographic databases and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of these strategies.
Findings
The database search resulted in 3,850 hits. Of the 162 studies that were screened in full, six involved a prevention program with outcomes commensurate for meta-analysis. Pooled log odds ratios indicate a significant, positive effect of gang prevention programs at reducing gang membership; however, sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the results are driven by the effects of a single study.
Originality/value
Despite the small sample size, the current study presents the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of gang membership prevention programs. There is a critical need in the field of gang control for rigorous evaluation of prevention strategies.
Keywords
Citation
Wong, J.S., Gravel, J., Bouchard, M., Descormiers, K. and Morselli, C. (2016), "Promises kept? A meta-analysis of gang membership prevention programs", Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 134-147. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-06-2015-0018
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited