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Mixing Methods in Mexico: Youth Gangs and Organized Crime in the “Structurally Maladjusted” areas of Monterrey

Smith, Worrall LU (2013) MIDM71 20131
LUMID International Master programme in applied International Development and Management
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to explore the processes that are perpetuating the proliferation of youth gangs in the poverty polygons of Monterrey, Mexico as well as to establish which specific factors attributable to these marginalized areas explain why some youth males join
gangs while why other youth males from the same areas refrain from joining the gang. Furthermore, the investigation sought to investigate and test whether any true relationship exists between being a gang member and later involvement in organized crime. Because of the complicated nature of youth gangs and organized crime and the relative dearth of reliable information surrounding these phenomena in Monterrey, the investigation utilized a sequential... (More)
The purpose of this investigation was to explore the processes that are perpetuating the proliferation of youth gangs in the poverty polygons of Monterrey, Mexico as well as to establish which specific factors attributable to these marginalized areas explain why some youth males join
gangs while why other youth males from the same areas refrain from joining the gang. Furthermore, the investigation sought to investigate and test whether any true relationship exists between being a gang member and later involvement in organized crime. Because of the complicated nature of youth gangs and organized crime and the relative dearth of reliable information surrounding these phenomena in Monterrey, the investigation utilized a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. The initial research phase employed the strengths of qualitative techniques to explore these phenomena. The subsequent phase endeavored to substantiate quantitatively, through the use of statistical tests, the most salient themes that
emerged from qualitative inquiry. It was found that in the poverty polygons of Monterrey the confluence of few formally remunerative job opportunities, an absent and/or abusive state, and deeply entrenched networks of organized crime has eroded positive family relationships and
responsible parenting. Where youth have no positive or supportive ties to the family or other institutions many youth seek the gang as an outlet and their gang peers become the predominant socializing force in their lives. Furthermore, the study showed that there is no real relationship between gangs and organized crime. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Smith, Worrall LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIDM71 20131
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
3799344
date added to LUP
2013-12-04 09:48:06
date last changed
2013-12-04 09:48:06
@misc{3799344,
  abstract     = {{The purpose of this investigation was to explore the processes that are perpetuating the proliferation of youth gangs in the poverty polygons of Monterrey, Mexico as well as to establish which specific factors attributable to these marginalized areas explain why some youth males join
gangs while why other youth males from the same areas refrain from joining the gang. Furthermore, the investigation sought to investigate and test whether any true relationship exists between being a gang member and later involvement in organized crime. Because of the complicated nature of youth gangs and organized crime and the relative dearth of reliable information surrounding these phenomena in Monterrey, the investigation utilized a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. The initial research phase employed the strengths of qualitative techniques to explore these phenomena. The subsequent phase endeavored to substantiate quantitatively, through the use of statistical tests, the most salient themes that
emerged from qualitative inquiry. It was found that in the poverty polygons of Monterrey the confluence of few formally remunerative job opportunities, an absent and/or abusive state, and deeply entrenched networks of organized crime has eroded positive family relationships and
responsible parenting. Where youth have no positive or supportive ties to the family or other institutions many youth seek the gang as an outlet and their gang peers become the predominant socializing force in their lives. Furthermore, the study showed that there is no real relationship between gangs and organized crime.}},
  author       = {{Smith, Worrall}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Mixing Methods in Mexico: Youth Gangs and Organized Crime in the “Structurally Maladjusted” areas of Monterrey}},
  year         = {{2013}},
}