Possible selves. Gang passages, projective imaginations, and self-transformations

Belonging to a criminal gang often strongly influences members’ identities, particularly their self-perceptions and social roles. Entering or leaving may challenge understandings of the meaning structure lives threaten sense control. The aim this study was explore how members narrate these transitions whether such stages be seen as liminal passages. This article draws in particular on theory possible selves, which suggests that people change through experiencing present selves incomplete versions anticipated selves. We analysed data from two qualitative research projects exits using content analysis interviews with clients employees one Swedish exit programme at correctional facilities probation services. In addition, consists these. while entry continuation towards understanding themselves potential place world, implies into terrain fewer role models projective imaginings future Such passages are analytically linked need for experienced guides manifest way forward support defectors process leaving. Gang leavers ‘ceremonial masters’, case professionals experience exiting processes, them imagining creating new outside gang.