Entering the heated zone - on gang conflict breakdowns and their societal responses

There has been a drastic increase in gang-related gun violence in Sweden since the beginning of the 2000s, which is significantly different from the trends in other European countries.

Possible explanations for this phenomenon include conflicts over drug markets, personal revenge motives, and escalating cycles of violence with their own logic. However, what precisely underlies the gun violence is not yet clear. Conflict and violence within and between gangs are seen as natural aspects of the gang environment by researchers.

The knowledge gap lies in why guns are used instead of less harmful ways to handle conflicts, which poses a significant challenge to society´s ability to reduce this violence.

This study aims to delve deeper into the underlying "action logics" of violent acts, i.e., what influences what is considered a proper or necessary way to handle conflicts, as well as the "scripts" that dictate how a person should behave and function within the gang context.

The study concludes with a workshop aimed at exploring the significance of the study´s findings for the development of interventions against gun violence.The study uses a mixed-method design, including document analysis of court judgments and investigation protocols, interviews with experts in the field, and vignettes based on "typical" conflict scenarios.

These vignettes are then presented to focus groups consisting of Swedish and European professionals and former gang members.

Based on their knowledge of local gang environments, participants are asked to evaluate the plausibility of the presented situations and assess how such conflicts would be handled in their own contexts, as well as the reasons and circumstances behind their proposed solutions.Gun violence causes significant personal harm, is costly to society, and has far-reaching effects on the safety of local communities.

Therefore, uncovering the mechanisms behind this violence is of great societal importance, not only for affected individuals and their loved ones but also for "third parties" and professionals tasked with preventing and intervening in violence.The study begins with an analysis of trial documents and a selection of these for further scrutiny, followed by interviews with gang experts.

Vignettes are then constructed based on the cases and the experts´ reflections.

Finally, the vignettes are presented in focus groups for analysis of the situations, their action logics and scripts, and alternative solutions.