Social Network Position of Gang Members in Schools: Implications for Recruitment and Gang Prevention

Citation

Gallupe, Owen & Gravel, Jason (2018). Social Network Position of Gang Members in Schools: Implications for Recruitment and Gang Prevention. Justice Quarterly. vol. 35 (3) pp. 505-525

Abstract

Schools are venues in which gang and non-gang involved youth converge. It is therefore a likely venue for gang recruitment. The extent to which this occurs depends upon the ability of gang members to connect with non-gang members. In this study, we compare the social network positions of high social status gang members who are well integrated into school networks with low status members who are not. Using network data from the Add Health study (n = 1,822), we find that not only are high status gang members strongly embedded within school networks, but that this status is driven by their ability to connect with non-gang members rather than other gang members (indicated by the high number of friendship nominations they receive from non-gang members). These gang members are potentially in optimal positions to influence others to join gangs. The implications of these results for school-based gang prevention programs are discussed. © 2017 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080%2F07418825.2017.1323114

Keyword(s)

gang recruitment schools social networks treatment effects

Notes

Export Date: 12 July 2017 Article in Press Correspondence Address: Gallupe, O.email: ogallupe@uwaterloo.ca

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Justice Quarterly

Author(s)

Gallupe, Owen
Gravel, Jason

Year Published

2018

Volume Number

35

Issue Number

3

Pages

505-525

Edition

May 19, 2017

DOI

10.1080/07418825.2017.1323114

Reference ID

7340