A Partially Ordered Scale of Influence in Violent Group Behavior

Abstract

The present study examined how decisions, actions, and orders combine to act as influence strategies that occur throughout different stages in gang rape. Thirty-nine gang rape cases, yielding 120 offenders, were coded according to each individual’s level of involvement at each stage in terms of decisions, actions, and orders. The various combinations of these were examined using a multidimensional scaling procedure. This revealed that the behaviors form a partially ordered scale of influence in which involvement in the approach and/or disposal of the victim were the most significant stages of the offense. Individual scores on this scale revealed that in 37 of the cases, one individual scored significantly higher on the scale than his co-offenders. The scale successfully identified leaders in 37 of the 39 groups, with leaders scoring significantly higher on the scale than followers (other group members). The results and implications are discussed.