The social dynamics of group offending

Theoretical explanations of group offending have been hindered by a focus on rational actor models social relationships. One consequence this has neglect the dynamics relations and their role in desistance. Drawing illustratively two studies conducted West Scotland, article advances an integrated theoretical framework for comparative study that moves beyond either individualizing or ‘gang’ frames dominating existing discourse, towards thick understanding situated relations. By integrating Bourdieu’s concept habitus with Donati’s relational realist framework, theoretically empirically examines relationships, what shapes them way they can, turn, shape affect desistance trajectories.