Análisis de la violencia urbana en Manta: Patrones, causas y consecuencias. Año 2022.

Abstract

The research conducted in Manta, Ecuador, focused on the analysis of urban violence, defined as the use of force or the threat of force in an urban environment. The main objective was to analyze the patterns, causes and consequences of urban violence in the city during the year 2022. Methodologically, a mixed approach was implemented, combining statistical analysis of secondary data with a semi-structured interview with a professional lawyer and surveys of a representative sample of the population of Manta, to identify crime patterns, explore underlying factors and evaluate the consequences and impact of violence in the community. The results revealed a majority perception that the presence of youth gangs, the lack of employment opportunities, social inequality and drug trafficking contribute significantly to violence, with high citizen insecurity and a negative impact on the local economy. The interview confirmed the concentration of violence in certain neighborhoods, the influence of socioeconomic factors and the impact of drug trafficking, highlighting institutional weakness as a key challenge. The findings highlighted citizen perception of the causes of violence, the direct experience of violence and its impact on daily life, widespread insecurity, the authorities' perspective on patterns, factors and challenges, the impact of drug trafficking and organized crime, the social and economic consequences, and the divergence in opinions on solutions.