Violent Clientelism and Gendered Governance

Abstract

Abstract While there has been a growing literature on the relationship between hyper-masculinity and criminal governance in gang territories, Chapter 3 explores the role of feminized, non-violent activism in contributing to the governance of the neighborhood. It introduces the concept of gendered division of governing labor and describes how a feminized sphere of non-violence has emerged in opposition to the masculinized sphere of violent clientelism. Each sphere negotiates relationships with different branches of the state: the former works with various state secretariats responsible for urban development (housing, education, social services, etc.), while the latter is embroiled in violent and often corrupt ties with the police. The chapter argues that the feminization of activism allows local non-violent actors to construct a meaningful semi-autonomous sphere of political action that operates parallel to violent clientelism, while also remaining subservient to it.