Despite a slight decrease in the homicide rate in recent years, Honduras remains one of the deadliest countries in the world with approximately 6 homicides per 100,000 people in 2016. Situated in the “northern triangle”... [ view full abstract ]
Despite a slight decrease in the homicide rate in recent years, Honduras remains one of the deadliest countries in the world with approximately 6 homicides per 100,000 people in 2016. Situated in the “northern triangle” (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras), the country is plagued by gang violence and drug trafficking, particularly in urban areas. The complex causes of the high rates of violence range from transnational to intrahousehold. Young men in particular are experiencing low educational attainment, a lack of economic opportunities, decreasing agricultural productivity, and other forms of social exclusion. Outmigration, to urban places and other countries such as the United States, is increasing the fragility of rural livelihoods. In this study, we examine the underlying causes to youth violence in western Honduras.
Away from the main urban centers of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, we focus on the department of Copán. Through a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative, we conducted focus groups, peer-to-peer interviews, key informant interviews, and a school-based youth survey. We also engaged multiple types of stakeholders including practitioners at local organizations that are addressing issues of youth violence, parents, teachers, school administrators, and young people (between the ages of 12-27). We questioned youth about their experiences with and participation in verbal, physical, and sexual violence. In addition, we discussed potential drivers including economic reasons, and expanding to individual attitudes such self-esteem, sense of belonging, and self-efficacy. Applying empowerment theory to youth violence, gives the opportunity to explore structural deprivation and gender construction, in particular around masculinity, as motivation for young men’s participation in violence. By researching this critical issue, we are able to share findings and recommendations to both policy makers and program implementers with the hope of improving citizen security in the area.
