Research Report Social Networks, Delinquency, and Gang Membership
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Using a Neighborhood Framework to Examine the Influence of Network Composition and Structure in a Latino Community
Caterina Gouvis Roman, Meagan Cahill, Pamela Lachman, Samantha S. Lowry, Megan Denver, Juan Pedroza, Additional Authors
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As part of the Social Networks, Delinquency, and Gang Membership project, funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, social network data were collected from youth in a small, at-risk neighborhood. The data were analyzed using social network methods. Results indicated that individuals with multiple, separate groups of friends have greater constraints on their behavior and are less likely to be delinquent. Results also suggested that networks with very low densities (fewer connections) are more successful contexts for intervention. These findings are relevant to developing appropriate delinquency programs and shed light on the efficacy of neighborhood-based interventions.
Research and Evidence Justice and Safety
Expertise Thriving Cities and Neighborhoods Victim Safety and Justice
Tags Juvenile justice Greater DC
Cities Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV