NCJ Number
216752
Journal
Global Crime Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2006 Pages: 200-213
Date Published
May 2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper attempts to describe some of the techniques and psychological factors used to recruit individuals into drug-smuggling organizations, known as “narcotraffickers.”
Abstract
The results of the study showed that the recruitment of individuals into drug cartels follows similar patterns to other criminal organizations including the need for power, belonging, respect, security, and pride. The conventional values found to be common among drug traffickers included the need for material wealth, power, belonging, respect, security, and pride. The study put into perspective the images and stereotypes that exist between in-groups versus out-groups and the role music plays in influencing the affects and emotions that propel these individuals (drug traffickers) into action. Before strategies can be designed to prevent the recruitment of new members into drug member organizations, it is important to understand the psychological reasoning by which its members decide to join. This study conducted a content analysis of the ballad form known as “narcocorrido,” as well as social identity and group theories to make a preliminary attempt to describe the psychological factors that contribute to the recruitment process of individuals into drug-smuggling organizations. Narcocorridos are a form of storytelling that has been passed on from generation to generation, giving insight into the minds of drug traffickers. Narcocorrido is a common tool that these criminal organizations use to their advantage in attracting new members.