Part 4/6:
The Gendered Dimension of Violence: Why Women Provoke Stronger Reactions
The transcript emphasizes the gendered aspect of cartel violence. Women often provoke more visceral fear and outrage among the public and authorities because their deaths or threats are perceived as more savage or unjust. The brutal killing of a woman sends a clear message: if cartels are willing to target women, they are equally—or more—capable of violence against men. This strategy amplifies their power, showing that no one is safe and that breaches of cartel rules or demands can have deadly consequences for anyone, regardless of gender.