Social Networks in Gangs
Social Networks in Gangs
- Christian L. BoldenChristian L. BoldenDepartment of Criminology and Justice, Loyola University New Orleans
- , and Reneé LamphereReneé LamphereDepartment of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Summary
Social networks in gangs refers to both a theoretical and methodological framework. Research within this perspective challenges the idea of gangs as organized hierarchies, suggesting instead that gangs are semi-structured or loosely knit networks and that actions are more accurately related to network subgroupings than to gangs as a whole. The situated location of individuals within a network creates social capital and the fluidity for members to move beyond the boundaries of the group, cooperating and positively interacting with members of rival gangs. Before the millennium, the use of social network analysis as a method to study gangs was rare, but it has since increased in popularity, becoming a regular part of the gang research canon. Gang networks can be studied at the group level and the individual level and can be used for intervention strategies. The concept of gangs as social networks is sometimes confused with social networking sites or social media, which encompasses its own rich and evolving array of gang research. Gang members use social networking sites for instrumental, expressive, and consumer purposes. While the use of network media allows for gang cultural dissemination, it simultaneously allows law enforcement to track gang activity.
Subjects
- Criminal Behavior
- Juvenile Justice
- Policing
- Research Methods