Från gemenskap till gäng : En kvalitativstudie om hur barns sociala kapital påverkar risken för att rekryteras till kriminalitet

The study examines professionals' statements about the narrative of children's opportunities and access to social capital in Backa, an area with low socioeconomic status, which is analyzed based on Erving Goffman's theory of stigma. The study also intends to investigate how professionals perceive risk and protective factors in children's social networks in order not to be recruited to organized crime, which is analyzed based on Robert Putnam's theory of social capital. Furthermore, the environments in which children's social networks are located in relation to risk and protective factors are treated. The study is based on a qualitative methodological approach conducted through interviews with eight people who are professionals in Backa. The results presented in the study suggest that children in Backa are stigmatized based on their belonging to the area. This can be crucial for children's ability to navigate in society. Risk and protective factors within the children's home environment, school and leisure association are also presented. The study shows that children in Backa have limited opportunities to expand their social network and social capital, which affect risk and protective factors for not being recruited to criminal networks. Furthermore, it emerges that the children from Backa are stigmatized based on their belonging to the area through the negative narrative, which contributes to the children having limited opportunities to establish themselves in society.