Roles and Stereotypes of Latin American Women in the Drug Trafficking Economy

Abstract

Inequality of rights, wage gaps, and gender stereotypes are the context in which women in Latin America live, aggravating their situation of poverty. Under this scenario, drug trafficking is presented as a legitimate job offer as an answer to women’s economic needs. Currently, drug trafficking not only categorizes women as merchandise for sexual services but also integrates professional, technical, and logistical services within the criminal structures.

This research follows a qualitative methodology, making a documentary review to identify the role of women in drug trafficking. As partial results, it is evident that women recognize that gender gaps are not solved by their insertion in the drug trafficking economy, because they must perform jobs that put them at greater risk with the authorities, but they do solve an economic need.

Citation

Tinjacá, J.A.W. and Ortega, D.R. (2023), "Roles and Stereotypes of Latin American Women in the Drug Trafficking Economy", Sáenz, M.E.V., Giraldo, L.A.C., Olmos, M.S. and Yepes, G.N.R. (Ed.) Economy, Gender and Academy: A Pending Conversation, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-998-720231008