JOURNAL ARTICLE

The dynamics of envy in the street field: A sociology of emotions approach to violence in retail drug market.

  • Published In: Criminology & Criminal Justice: An International Journal, 2026, v. 26, n. 2. P. 363 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Nelson, Ediomo-Ubong E 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines how envy, as an emotional and social dynamic, shapes violence in the retail drug market in Uyo, Nigeria. Drawing on 31 in-depth interviews with male retail drug dealers, the study finds that envy arises from structural inequalities and disparities in economic and symbolic capital—such as respect and ostentatious lifestyle—leading to covert acts of violence and sabotage known as "set-ups." Unlike direct retaliation often emphasized in prior research, dealers frequently employ non-violent strategies to de-escalate conflicts, including avoiding ostentation, seeking gang protection, or using corrupt law enforcement as intermediaries. The findings highlight the importance of addressing structural drivers of drug trade and related urban violence, including police corruption, to inform violence prevention efforts in similar street market contexts.

Additional Information

  • Source:Criminology & Criminal Justice: An International Journal. 2026/04, Vol. 26, Issue 2, p363
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Psychology
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1748-8958
  • DOI:10.1177/17488958231174966
  • Accession Number:192042916
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Criminology & Criminal Justice: An International Journal is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.