Perceptions, Conceptions and Peacebuilding: A Case Study in Mexico

Mexico is not a country at peace. Despite the government’s fight to restore stability, violence has erupted since 2006 in several areas of the territory. Some elements of peacelessness are informed by values, perceptions, and conceptions about violence and peace. These topics have not been qualitatively investigated in Mexico. The purpose of this case study was to explore the process involving the social construction of values, perceptions, and conceptions in regard to organized criminal violence and peace possibilities in Mexico. This study employed semistructured interviews of 15 residents from a neighborhood in Mexico City, and was the base for four other investigations involving much larger samples with very similar results. Research questions focused on the role of mass media and oral conversations in the social construction of perceptions about the government, criminal organizations, and peace. This study contributes to positive social change by informing regional policymakers about the need to design local policies directed towards mediating structural and systemic transformations that are respectful of experiences and needs of citizens.