A multiplex network approach to understanding extremist organizations: A case study of the Proud Boys

IF 3.3 1区社会学 Q1 CRIMINOLOGY & PENOLOGY

Journal of Criminal Justice Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102353

Jack G.R. Wippell, Dana L. Haynie

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores the network dynamics of extremist organizations through a detailed case study of the Proud Boys. Using a multiplex network approach, informed by recent advances in research on gangs, we examine how various types of ties influence extremist behavior.

Method

We first describe three focal networks through which the Proud Boys operate – chapter affiliations, online connectivity through social media, and co-membership in other extremist groups – and the resultant multiplex network linking members across the organization. We then describe a fourth network of offline co-activism and use multiple regression with the quadratic assignment procedure (MRQAP) to assess how ties within different multiplex network layers are associated with co-activism.

Results

Findings indicate high variability in member connectivity across different types of ties, but certain metrics do reveal key figures within the organization. Each focal network is significantly associated with co-activism. Regional proximity and shared leadership roles also emerge as relevant factors, underscoring the potential influence of structural and organizational dynamics.

Conclusion

This study provides a nuanced understanding of the structure and linkages within an extremist organization, demonstrates the value of a gang-informed approach, and offers insight into the drivers of extremist mobilization.

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了解极端组织的多元网络方法：以“骄傲男孩”为例

本文通过对“骄傲男孩”的详细案例研究，探讨极端组织的网络动态。根据帮派研究的最新进展，我们采用多元网络方法，研究各种类型的关系如何影响极端主义行为。方法：我们首先描述了骄傲男孩组织运作的三个核心网络——分会隶属关系、通过社交媒体的在线联系、其他极端组织的共同成员——以及由此形成的将整个组织的成员联系起来的多元化网络。然后，我们描述了第四种离线共同行动的网络，并使用二次分配程序（MRQAP）的多元回归来评估不同多重网络层内的联系如何与共同行动相关联。研究结果表明，不同类型关系的成员连通性存在很大差异，但某些指标确实揭示了组织内的关键数据。每个焦点网络都与共同行动主义显著相关。区域接近和共同的领导作用也成为相关因素，突出了结构和组织动态的潜在影响。本研究对极端组织内部的结构和联系提供了细致入微的理解，展示了帮派知情方法的价值，并为极端主义动员的驱动因素提供了见解。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Criminal Justice CRIMINOLOGY & PENOLOGY-

CiteScore

6.90

自引率

9.10%

发文量

审稿时长

23 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Criminal Justice is an international journal intended to fill the present need for the dissemination of new information, ideas and methods, to both practitioners and academicians in the criminal justice area. The Journal is concerned with all aspects of the criminal justice system in terms of their relationships to each other. Although materials are presented relating to crime and the individual elements of the criminal justice system, the emphasis of the Journal is to tie together the functioning of these elements and to illustrate the effects of their interactions. Articles that reflect the application of new disciplines or analytical methodologies to the problems of criminal justice are of special interest. Since the purpose of the Journal is to provide a forum for the dissemination of new ideas, new information, and the application of new methods to the problems and functions of the criminal justice system, the Journal emphasizes innovation and creative thought of the highest quality.