Subcultural informal associations: The mechanism of the formation of criminal behavior and its influence on the improvement of criminal legislation

Andrey Berestovoy; Pavel Cvetkov

VAK Russia 5.1.4 UDC 343.9

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SUBCULTURAL INFORMAL ASSOCIATIONS: THE MECHANISM OF THE FORMATION OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF CRIMINAL LEGISLATION Subcultural informal associations: The mechanism of the formation of criminal behavior and its influence on the improvement of criminal legislation

АА Аа

Published in Russian Journal of Deviant Behavior · Volume 6, Issue 3, 2026 · Pages 505–516 · Rubric: Criminological research on deviant behavior

Received: 27.08.2026 Accepted: 28.09.2026 Published: 26.10.2026

Authors

Andrey Berestovoy

ORCID

Pavel Cvetkov

ORCID

Andrey Berestovoy

Academic degree: candidate of jurisprudence sciences

Science rang: docent

North-West branch of the Russian State University of Justice named after V. M. Lebedev Associate Professor · Department of Criminal Law · Russian Federation · Saint Petersburg

ORCID

Pavel Cvetkov

Academic degree: candidate of jurisprudence sciences

North-West branch of the Russian State University of Justice named after V.M. Lebedev Senior Lecturer · Department of Criminal Law · Russian Federation · Saint Petersburg

ORCID

ABSTRACT

Problem statement: The article examines the criminological mechanism through which subcultural informal associations influence the formation of criminal behavior in individuals. Based on an analysis of contemporary destructive subcultures, including digital communities, the article reveals the stages of individuals’ involvement in criminal activity and proposes legal countermeasures. Aims and objectives: To identify the criminological patterns in the formation of criminal behavior among individuals belonging to subcultural informal associations, and to examine their influence on the elaboration of proposals for improving the criminal legislation of the Russian Federation. Methods: The study employs general scientific and specific scientific methods, including systems analysis and sociological, psychological and comparative-legal approaches. Results: The study found that subcultural informal associations serve as an environment for criminal socialisation, in which legal values are replaced by delinquent norms. The stages of an individual’s involvement were identified, ranging from initial contact with the group to complete submission to its norms. Digital communities are particularly dangerous, as they shape “criminal cyber-socialisation” by transmitting attitudes, motives and technical skills for committing crimes.

KEYWORDS

subcultural associations, informal groups, criminal socialisation, criminal legislation, minors, crime prevention

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