You are here

EVOLUTION OF THE FOLK DEVIL: A SOCIAL NETWORK PERSPECTIVE OF THE HYBRID GANG LABEL

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
2010
Abstract/Description:
In keeping abreast of current gang phenomena, this study seeks to comparatively examine structural processes and characteristics of gangs in chronic gang city, San Antonio, and an emerging gang city that would be more likely to have ÂÂÂÂ"hybridÂÂÂÂ" gangs, Orlando. Hybrid gangs have been identified as having organizational processes that differ from traditional gangs; thus, this work will examine these processes that consist of a range of non-traditional phenomena, including cooperation between gangs, members switching gang affiliations, as well as gang initiations, and members leaving gangs. Additional characteristics uniquely associated with hybrid gangs consist of the notable presence of white, middle-class, and female gang members. Evidence suggests that the hybrid gang is more of a socially constructed moral panic than a reality. A limited number of recent studies have indicated that some gangs may better fit into a social network framework rather than a solid organizational analysis. When using the social network framework it becomes apparent that alleged hybrid behaviors are no different from regular gang behaviors regardless of geographic location. Claims about hybrid gangs serve to increase the idea of gang members as folk devils and cause undue concern of normal behaviors.
Title: EVOLUTION OF THE FOLK DEVIL: A SOCIAL NETWORK PERSPECTIVE OF THE HYBRID GANG LABEL.
55 views
24 downloads
Name(s): Bolden, Christian, Author
Huff-Corzine, Lin, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2010
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: In keeping abreast of current gang phenomena, this study seeks to comparatively examine structural processes and characteristics of gangs in chronic gang city, San Antonio, and an emerging gang city that would be more likely to have ÂÂÂÂ"hybridÂÂÂÂ" gangs, Orlando. Hybrid gangs have been identified as having organizational processes that differ from traditional gangs; thus, this work will examine these processes that consist of a range of non-traditional phenomena, including cooperation between gangs, members switching gang affiliations, as well as gang initiations, and members leaving gangs. Additional characteristics uniquely associated with hybrid gangs consist of the notable presence of white, middle-class, and female gang members. Evidence suggests that the hybrid gang is more of a socially constructed moral panic than a reality. A limited number of recent studies have indicated that some gangs may better fit into a social network framework rather than a solid organizational analysis. When using the social network framework it becomes apparent that alleged hybrid behaviors are no different from regular gang behaviors regardless of geographic location. Claims about hybrid gangs serve to increase the idea of gang members as folk devils and cause undue concern of normal behaviors.
Identifier: CFE0003239 (IID), ucf:48536 (fedora)
Note(s): 2010-08-01
Ph.D.
Sciences, Department of Sociology
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Gangs
Social Networks
Social Construction
Folk Devils
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003239
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

In Collections