A Typology of Gang Members’ Social Networks and their Relationship to Desistance from Crime and Gangs

• In Event: New Approaches to Understanding Youth Gangs and Gang Members

Abstract

This presentation will discuss findings from a study of gang member characteristics, gang networks and desistance in Philadelphia, PA and Washington, D.C. Data were collected from over 200 gang members across both cities at three points in time. Data were gathered on respondent’s behaviors, attitudes, and network of associates. The data allow researchers to examine the social networks of gang-involved individuals, considering the overall size of the network, connectivity among individuals within the network, and characteristics of individuals in the network. This presentation describes the results of a cluster analysis based on characteristics of gang members’ social networks. The cluster analysis allows us to investigate the characteristics of similar networks, determine whether pro-social, or more “positive” networks exist in our sample, and investigate whether individuals with such networks are less likely to be involved in crime and more likely to desist from a gang. The findings from this work allow consideration of how an intervention might work to strengthen or change elements of a gang-involved individual’s network in order to reduce his or her gang involvement and criminal behavior.

Authors

• Meagan Cahill, RAND Corporation

• Caterina Gouvis Roman, Temple University