Changes in Social Networks and Gang Desistance

• In Event: Joining and Leaving Gangs

Abstract

This paper summarizes interim findings from an OJJDP-sponsored study that uses a social network approach to examine factors related to gang desistance. We are collecting data through social network surveys over three points in time in the District of Columbia and Philadelphia. This presentation relies on the first two waves of data collection, with a baseline sample of 200 gang youth. The survey, at each wave, asks the gang youth surveyed to name the 20 most important individuals in their social network, which can include others in addition to peers/friends. The presentation will discuss the variety of ways the overall ego network changed between waves as well as how the peer network changed, and whether these changes are related to gang desistance and changes in criminal behavior. The findings of the study will advance the limited research of this type, and will help provide insight into the extent to which factors related to desistance are amenable to influence and intervention (e.g., focused deterrence-type messages) and, in turn, how interventions can best be disseminated to high-risk and gang youth.

Authors

• Caterina Roman, Temple University

• Meagan Cahill, Urban Institute

• Samantha Lowry, Urban Institute

• Jillian Eidson, Temple University

• Jessica Saunders, RAND Corporation