Criminal Networks and Family Ties: Understanding the “Dynamics of Clan Crime” in al-Rāshidīyah
摘要
The concept of “clan crime” remains a highly contested and politically charged topic. Interpretations of this phenomenon vary significantly among the various actors engaged in the debate. This chapter demonstrates that sweeping generalizations fail to reflect the complex realities on the ground. Common perceptions often depict “clans” or “Arab clans” as ethnically homogeneous, tightly organized groups operating under rigid hierarchies and led by authoritarian patriarchs. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Berlin, Bavaria, and North Rhine-Westphalia since 2015, this chapter critically examines the intricate social and familial structures within these communities. It further explores the diverse forms of criminal activity and the varying degrees of familial involvement across different contexts.