“ When I put on my vest and patch, people know who I am and what I stand for ”: Meanings of gang-related occupations

Background While occupational science has focused on health-promoting and socially valued occupations, exploration of the meaning in occupations considered amoral and non-sanctioned is needed.Aim To explore how former gang members perceive meaning when engaging in gang-related occupations.Method A qualitative design and interpretative phenomenological analysis were applied to explore seven former gang members’ perspectives on their engagement in gang-related occupations. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews.Findings Four themes were identified: 1) Everyday life within the gang: Work and good times; 2) The bonds of brotherhood: The dynamics of loyalty and conflict; 3) Social hierarchy: Power and respect; and 4) Exit: The challenges of leaving gang life. Findings indicated that daily life in the gangs was marked by change, normalisation of crime, and positive experiences. Gang-related occupations were perceived as meaningful due to a sense of belonging, power, and respect. Violence emerged as a significant collective occupation, serving as a tool for internal status while simultaneously dehumanising others. Leaving the gang triggered identity crises, underscoring the deep impact on self-perception. Negative aspects included drug addiction, psychological strain, and mental health issues.Conclusion The study provides an insider perspective on gang life and shows how former gang members attribute meaning to engagement in gang-related occupations, which carried both positive and negative consequences. The findings challenge traditional views of meaningful occupation and contribute to understanding the complexity of occupational engagement.