A Sociological Study of the Relationship between Real Social Networks and Tendency toward Crime and Delinquency among Citizens of Paveh, Ravansar, Javanrud, and Salas-e Babajani Counties

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between real social networks and tendency toward crime and delinquency, with particular emphasis on the mediating roles of social and psychological constructs among citizens of Paveh, Ravansar, Javanrud, and Salas-e Babajani counties. This quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among citizens aged over 18 years in the four counties. The initial sample size was estimated at 384 using Cochran’s formula; however, after collecting 548 questionnaires and excluding 48 cases with missing data, the final analysis was performed on 500 complete questionnaires. Data were collected using a researcher-developed 231-item questionnaire measuring loneliness, social trust, social isolation, social cohesion, tendency toward crime and delinquency, social support, religiosity, individualism, social vitality, social conformity, and social capital. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Construct reliability and validity were confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted, factor loadings, and the heterotrait-monotrait ratio. Loneliness (β=0.121, p=0.003), social isolation (β=0.112, p=0.003), and individualism (β=0.067, p=0.017) had significant positive effects on tendency toward crime and delinquency. In contrast, social trust (β=-0.116, p=0.001), social cohesion (β=-0.131, p=0.001), social support (β=-0.075, p=0.022), religiosity (β=-0.081, p=0.020), social capital (β=-0.087, p=0.021), social vitality (β=-0.075, p=0.045), and social conformity (β=-0.075, p=0.025) showed significant negative effects. Significant positive pathways were also observed from loneliness to social isolation (β=0.642), social trust to social capital (β=0.684), social support to social vitality (β=0.575), and religiosity to social cohesion (β=0.570; all p=0.001). The structural model explained 73.1% of the variance in tendency toward crime and delinquency (R²=0.731; adjusted R²=0.725), and 18 of the 21 hypotheses were supported. The findings indicate that tendency toward crime and delinquency is strongly associated with the quality of social bonds; therefore, strengthening social trust, cohesion, support, and social capital while reducing loneliness and social isolation may provide an effective foundation for social crime-prevention policies.