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Violence in the “balance”: a structural analysis of how rivals, allies, and third-parties shape inter-gang violence

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  • Kiminori Nakamura
  • George Tita
  • David Krackhardt

Abstract

This paper explores the role of local structural conditions that facilitate or hinder violence when enmity is present between parties, by examining shooting-involved violence among street gangs in Long Beach, California. Using structural balance theory, this paper investigates whether certain triadic structures in which two rival gangs i and j are related to a third gang is associated with the levels of violence that i will inflict upon j. Based on multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure to adjust for the dependent structure in the network, the results show that after controlling for individual and dyadic explanations, structural conditions are robust predictors of the levels and the directions of inter-gang violence. Structural imbalance indicates a lack of clear dominance in relations and predicts increased violence. Balanced structures tend to be much less violent; however, a gang will initiate violence if by doing so it expects to reinforce its dominant position.

Suggested Citation

  • Kiminori Nakamura & George Tita & David Krackhardt, 2020. "Violence in the “balance”: a structural analysis of how rivals, allies, and third-parties shape inter-gang violence," Global Crime, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(1), pages 3-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:fglcxx:v:21:y:2020:i:1:p:3-27
    DOI: 10.1080/17440572.2019.1627879
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    Cited by:

    1. Jordan M. Hyatt & James A. Densley & Caterina G. Roman, 2021. "Social Media and the Variable Impact of Violence Reduction Interventions: Re-Examining Focused Deterrence in Philadelphia," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Matthew Valasik & Shannon E. Reid, 2021. "East Side Story: Disaggregating Gang Homicides in East Los Angeles," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-17, February.

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