Identitas per Fabulam: Joint Fantasising in the Construction of Criminal Group Identities

We investigate the role of joint fantasising in constructing criminal identities. By analysing joint fantasies that emerge from interactions among four men who comprise a motor vehicle theft group, we identify three dimensions of identity: “We are professionals,” “We provide a service, not bad people,” and “We are victims of an unjust society.” Joint fantasising shaped participants’ collective self-perception and interpretations of their criminal activities in a broader social context. This study contributes to understanding the interplay between narratives, identity, and criminality. It highlights the significance of collaborative construction of imaginary scenarios in shaping criminal group identities and challenges conventional notions of criminal identity formation. This research highlights the value of joint fantasising for group identity construction and enriches our understanding of the interactive processes involved in criminal identity formation.