Social vulnerability and youth violence in the municipality of Mejicanos. Reflections for a culture of peace

Abstract

The objective of this research was to critically and proactively evaluate the functionality of the different work models for the prevention of youth violence in the context of social vulnerability in order to promote a culture of peace driven by international cooperation through the local government and other institutions of the central government and civil society, in the municipality of Mejicanos. Likewise, a comparative analysis of these models was carried out, trying to visualize their scope and limitations. The methodology used was qualitative, using the case study as a unit of approach; the unit of analysis was the municipality of Mejicanos; the study subjects, young people organized in the Municipal Youth Council, directors and field technicians of some civil society associations that operate in the area and local government officials. The observation techniques, the semi-structured interview, the focus groups and the bibliographic record were implemented. One of the important findings was the coincidence that most institutions, although they do not name it that way, use the ecological model of violence with a psychosocial and systemic approach. An important conclusion is that it is necessary to overcome the adult-centrism and machismo that exists in the municipality of Mejicanos in order to give more and better opportunities to young people and women and include them in all processes of citizen participation and organization.