New Publications by Mahmoud Jaraba
In his new article “Clan Crime: A Critical Perspective” FAU EZIRE researcher Mahmoud Jaraba provides a critical analysis of ‘clan crime’ in Germany, calling for a deeper understanding of the complex family structures and individual behaviors within these groups. He challenges simplified “clan” stereotypes and emphasizes the need for a bottom-up approach that illuminates the real family contexts and the nature of criminal activities.
The focus is on identifying where and in what form crimes occur. These insights are crucial for deploying both preventive and repressive measures effectively and contribute to the development of effective strategies that consider the complexity of personal and familial roles in crime.
Jaraba’s also newly released article “The nexus of women and ‘Clan Crime’: unravelling the dynamics and constraints” addresses the often neglected role of women in German ‘clan crime’. The article aims to bridge this gap through in-depth ethnographic fieldwork and 18 interviews with women from various ‘clans’ across the country. These women are part of the al-Rashidiyya community with origins in the Turkish city of Mardin. Using an anthropological perspective, Jaraba seeks to uncover the underlying historical, cultural, social, and contextual factors that shape women’s participation in ‚clan crime‘, whether through indirect support or direct involvement.
The results show that women play a crucial, albeit often hidden, role in the dynamics of ‘clans’ and criminal activities, which are often not captured by the police. Although they are unlikely to hold leadership positions, women exert their influence in other ways, such as shaping their children’s behavior, actively encouraging their sons to engage in criminal activities, or transmitting criminal norms and roles through socialization. Women themselves may also participate in crimes such as money laundering and financial fraud. By shedding light on these dynamics and emphasizing the importance of gender dynamics in the broader study of criminal groups, Jaraba expands our understanding of organized crime and similar clan-like mafia structures.