Date Thesis Awarded

5-2023

Access Type

Honors Thesis -- Open Access

Degree Name

Bachelors of Arts (BA)

Department

International Relations

Advisor

Fiona Shen-Bayh

Committee Members

Mark Deming

Carla Buck

Victoria Castillo

Abstract

Why has feminicide significantly increased in Mexico over the past two decades? Previous feminicide research in Mexico has centered around the idea that the introduction of neoliberal politics changed family structures and increased the vulnerability of women as they entered the workforce. However, this explanation does not fully explain patterns of political violence against women in Mexico. I argue that Mexico’s War on Drugs and the intrinsic patriarchal ideologies and structures of organized crime groups (OCGs) reinforce gender hierarchies and increase the vulnerability of women. To evaluate my argument, I analyze state-level public government data on organized crime and feminicide rates and develop two case studies focusing on Guanajuato and Querétaro. By focusing on the relationship between organized crime groups (OCGs) and feminicide in Mexico, this thesis deepens understanding of violence against women in understudied regions. It also reveals how OCGs fundamentally transform the nature of feminicide within the country and underscores the Mexican state's neglect in fulfilling its obligation to investigate offenses and safeguard its citizens' right to life.

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