Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | The Encyclopedia of Juvenile Delinquency and Justice |
Editors | C.J. Schreck |
Publisher | Wiley |
Volume | 1 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781118524275 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781118520321 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Abstract
Criminologists have long since studied delinquent groups. Whereas group studies focus on group members and group behavior, the relationships between people are the focal point of the social network approach. Many researchers have studied the distribution and development of delinquency within social networks. They found that befriended people more often had similar levels of delinquent behavior, and investigated selection and influence processes to explain that similarity. Network research methods added to the classical group studies of gangs. They revealed that leadership and intimacy were often less prominent than earlier group studies suggested, and that the structure of delinquent networks varies considerably. A social network approach can also be used to study the relationships of the delinquent network with its environment, and to develop and fine tune prevention.
Keywords
- crime
- delinquency
- network theory
- social networks