Race, friendship networks, and violent delinquency

Citation

Haynie, Dana L. & Payne, Danielle C. (2006). Race, friendship networks, and violent delinquency. Criminology. vol. 44 (4) pp. 775-805

Abstract

Although a growing body of literature emphasizes the role of friendship networks and peer relations for youth involvement in violence and delinquency, little research has examined the role of friendship networks in understanding the varying involvement of different racial-ethnic groups in violence. Using data from approximately 13,000 respondents to the first two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we explore the ability of friendship networks to account for the differential rates of violence among racial-ethnic groups. In addition, we evaluate whether race moderates the degree to which friendship characteristics predict adolescent violence. Findings indicate significant differences in the structure and behavioral orientation of friendship networks across racial-ethnic identities. Moreover, incorporating characteristics of friendship networks into multivariate analyses accounts for greater involvement in violence among black and Hispanic youths. Network racial heterogeneity and friends' popularity also emerge as particular network characteristics that operate differently for black and white youth.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.2006.00063.x

Keyword(s)

Crime & delinquency

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Criminology

Author(s)

Haynie, Dana L.
Payne, Danielle C.

Year Published

2006

Volume Number

44

Issue Number

4

Pages

775-805

DOI

10.1111/j.1745-9125.2006.00063.x

Reference ID

481