Social Networks and Crime: Applying Criminological Theories

2017 ◽  
pp. 46-67
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Faust ◽  
George E. Tita

Over the past decade, a considerable literature has emerged within criminology stemming from the collection of social network data and the adoption of social network analysis by a cadre of scholars. We review recent contributions to four areas of crime research: co-offending networks, illicit networks, gang-rivalry networks, and neighborhoods and crime. Our review highlights potential pitfalls that one might encounter when using social networks in criminological research and points to fruitful directions for further research. In particular, we recommend paying special attention to the clear specifications of what ties in the network are assumed to be doing, potential measurement weaknesses that can arise when using police or investigative data to construct a network, and understanding dynamic social network processes related to criminological outcomes. We envision a bright future in which the social network perspective will be more fully integrated into criminological theories, analyses, and applications.


Author(s):  
Mark E. Dickison ◽  
Matteo Magnani ◽  
Luca Rossi

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana-Maria Vranceanu ◽  
Linda C. Gallo ◽  
Laura M. Bogart

The present study investigated whether a social information processing bias contributes to the inverse association between trait hostility and perceived social support. A sample of 104 undergraduates (50 men) completed a measure of hostility and rated videotaped interactions in which a speaker disclosed a problem while a listener reacted ambiguously. Results showed that hostile persons rated listeners as less friendly and socially supportive across six conversations, although the nature of the hostility effect varied by sex, target rated, and manner in which support was assessed. Hostility and target interactively impacted ratings of support and affiliation only for men. At least in part, a social information processing bias could contribute to hostile persons' perceptions of their social networks.


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