Ardelyanova Ya.A. Network approach in sociological research of deviant behavior of youth. Eurasian Union of Scientists. Series: Historical, Political and Sociological Sciences. 2025. No. 6 (120). Р. 4-9.

Текст статьи/выпуска на сайте журнала URL: https://hist-pol.euroasia-science.ru/index.php/Euroasia/issue/view/148/167 (дата обращения 13.01.2026)

Abstract

The article substantiates the need to apply a network approach in the sociological study of deviant behavior of modern youth in the context of digitalization. It is argued that traditional theories focusing on individual or environmental factors are insufficient to analyze new forms of deviant behavior that are characterized by a network nature and mediated by digital technologies. The paper systematizes the theoretical and methodological foundations of the network approach, identifies three key research areas: Social Network Analysis, network society theory (M. Castells, J. van Dijk) and actor-network theory (B. Latour). The methodological arsenal is considered, including both adapted traditional and special network methods of data collection and analysis. Concrete examples demonstrate empirical applications of the approach to study the relationship between real and virtual deviance, analyze specific online forms of deviant behavior (cyberbullying, destructive communities), and map online subcultures. Special attention is paid to new, network-centric prevention strategies based on working with the communication structure, key network nodes and digital opinion leaders. It is concluded that the network approach, revealing the mechanisms of the spread of deviant practices through configurations of strong and weak connections, becomes a necessary theoretical and methodological basis for an adequate analysis and counteraction to deviance in the digital age.