Christian Bolden

Christian Bolden is the Robert Hunter Distinguished Professor at the Department of Criminology and Justice, College of Arts and Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans. His research focuses on gang histories, mass incarceration, and human trafficking.

• Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Central Florida
• M.A. in Sociology, Texas State University-San Marcos

Bolden’s work examines gang membership fluidity, hybrid gang dynamics, and the intersection of homelessness with exploitative labor. He authored the award-winning book Out of the Red and contributed to journals like Group Processes & Intergroup Relations and Deviant Behavior.

His scientific recognition includes the 2020 Frank Tannenbaum Outstanding Book Award, the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from Texas State University, and the 2021 Faculty Senate Award for Research at Loyola University New Orleans. He served as an FBI Behavioral Science Unit research fellow during 2012-2013.

Bolden’s recent publications analyze hybrid gangs, gang desistance, and violent institutions. His studies span qualitative research methods, social network analysis, and ethnographic fieldwork in urban environments.

• 2020 Frank Tannenbaum Outstanding Book Award
• 2021 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
• 2021 Faculty Senate Award for Research
• FBI Behavioral Science Unit 'Futurist in Residence' (2012-2013)

He actively engages in the Modern Slavery Research Project and has conducted fieldwork on homeless youth trafficking in New Orleans.