Understanding How Teachers Conceptualize Drug Trafficking Violence in Mexico: What Are the Implications for Schools?

• In Event: Civic Engagement, Civic Challenge, and Cultural Competency in International Educational Environments

Abstract

This paper examined how teachers from Morelia Michoacán Mexico understand the violence connected to the drug war. It examined how teachers believe this violence influences their personal lives, role as teachers, students, and how schools confront this issue. Utilizing Ramon Gosfoguel’s (2003) interdisciplinary world system model this study provides a multi-level analysis to understand this issue. Data derived from interviews and a focus group with 8 secondary teachers. Data was analyzed inductively and deductively utilizing coding. The paper finds violence is the result of organized crime, complicity of the state, and global processes of capitalism. Although there are no institutional policies at the school level to address the influences of violence, teachers offer advice so students stay safe.

Author

• Yanira Madrigal-Garcia, University of California - Davis