Delinquent Peers Revisited: Does Network Structure Matter?

Citation

Haynie, D. L. (2001). Delinquent Peers Revisited: Does Network Structure Matter?. American Journal of Sociology. vol. 106 (4) pp. 1013-1057

Abstract

This study examines whether structural properties of friendship networks condition the association between friends' delinquency and an individual's own delinquent behavior. Data from the Add Health allows a more accurate conceptualization of the peer network and a more rigorous measurement of peer delinquency than previous research. Findings from this study indicate that friends' delinquency is associated with an adolescent's own delinquency involvement. However, characteristics of adolescents' friendship networks, such as its density and adolescents' centrality and popularity, condition the delinquency‐peer association. Network density, in particular, emerges as an important component of the delinquency‐peer association, with very cohesive networks containing stronger delinquency‐peer associations than those that are less cohesive. These findings suggest that it is necessary to consider the underlying structural properties of friendship networks in order to understand the impact of peer influence on adolescent delinquency.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/320298

Keyword(s)

friendship networks

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

American Journal of Sociology

Author(s)

Haynie, D. L.

Year Published

2001

Volume Number

106

Issue Number

Pages

1013-1057

DOI

10.1086/320298