.jpg){kind=link}
About the project
Since the early 2000s, there has been significant growth in organised criminal activity involving children and young people in Latin America. In Mexico, one of the most critical dimensions of violence is the severity of crimes committed by and against the youngest population. In this context, children exploited by criminal organisations should, for the most part, be considered victims. as they have been deprived of the special protection to which they are entitled as children.
The project 'CHILD & YOUTH' is designed to build knowledge that uncovers, refines, and deepens understanding of the fundamental social structures, mechanisms, and conditions through which children and young people engage in organised crime. Through a socially and culturally sensitive research process, the study seeks to produce robust empirical material that will serve as a foundation for theorising early involvement in organised crime in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Method
The project adopts a qualitative approach, using in-depth oral history interviews and content analysis.
Objectives
The study aims to examine the social structures and mechanisms that shape young people’s pathways into organised crime, using the framework of Social Opportunity Structures (SOS) to understand why some youths engage with organised crime while others follow different criminal trajectories. Additionally, it seeks to identify mechanisms that can support prevention and disengagement.