The social representation of drug trafficking like laborer optionAt first glance, the State of Baja California (Mexico) and the Department of Valle del Cauca (Colombia) do not have much in common. They belong to different countries and have significant di

Abstract

At first glance, the State of Baja California (Mexico) and the Department of Valle del Cauca (Colombia) do not have much in common. They belong to different countries and have significant differences in their history and their social, cultural, political and economic structures. However these places have a commonality--namely the fact that for more than three decades they have become epicenters of drug trafficking. In both of these territories, trafficking groups and international business networks have appropriated the region in order to frame their illegal project. This paper summarizes the findings of field research conducted during December 2008. Knowing and comparing the social representations of drug trafficking in these two territories, offers significant elements that help understand the integration processes and social penetration of drug trafficking in local contexts—and shed light on processes that have helped consolidate these practices as viable labor options.