'Going Viral' and 'Going Country' the Expressive and Instrumental Activities of Street Gangs on Social Media

28 August 2018 3 mins read Research In Practice Social Care Youth Offending Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation

This study considers the role of the internet in gang culture and activity in the UK. The authors analyse the expressive and instrumental uses of "trap rap" videos posted on YouTube as a means of gaining insight into gang-related activity, such as drug dealing through "working the country lines".

Authors Michelle L Storrod and James A Densley

Published by Journal of Youth Studies, (2017)

Background and study

Online interaction plays an important role in building collective identity and engaging young people in gang-related activity. Smartphones and social media are integral to social interaction in young people's lives.

Data for the study was derived from two sources:

Key findings

Implications for practice

It is important for practitioners to understand the culture, pressures and actions of young people who identify as involved in gang activity and the wider influence of gang-related cultural activities:

FURTHER READING

Related resources

Related resources by Research in Practice

The research section for this special report is based on a selection of academic studies which have been explored and summarised by Research in Practice, part of the Dartington Hall Trust

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