Criminalization and youthcide of youth cultures associated with criminal organizations: the case of the Cholombianos

Abstract

This article aims to characterize and comprehend the processes of young people joining criminal organizations by using a case study of a youth culture in the northeastern region of Mexico, the Cholombianos. The authors propose a reference framework based on the articulation of categories such as post-structural violence, de-citizenization, fabrication of moral panic, territorial stigmatization, criminalization and criminal subjection to discuss and expand the conceptualization of youthcide in Mexico. To achieve this process, the authors analyze cases documented by anthropologists and journalists of young people from different social classes who participate in or are linked to organized crime. Using a conceptual theoretical analysis, the authors discuss how criminal groups fabricate senses of belonging, respect and identity and how they and public authorities carry out de-citizenization actions that destroy youth cultures like the Cholombianos.