Organized-crime growth and sustainment: a review of the influence of popular religion and beliefs in Mexico

Abstract

In 2006, Mexican President Felipe Calderon announced the war on drugs, an ongoing, low-intensity, asymmetrical war between the government and various drug cartels that has proven the bloodiest conflict since the Mexican civil war a century ago. Meanwhile, the subculture of narco-cultura continues to grow, under the influence of powerful drug cartels throughout Mexico. The narco-cultura has its own dynamic form of dress, music, literature, film, religious beliefs and practices, and slang, which have become standard in some parts of the country, especially among the lower class and uneducated. This thesis investigates the relationship between the narco-cultura and organized crime in Mexico, as viewed from multiple perspectives. It considers this subculture’s historical origins and its influence on popular religion and narco-corridos (ballads). More precisely, this thesis explores how the narco-cultura appropriates religion and religious symbolism to maintain the growth of organized criminal groups.