The Influence of Gangs in Central America with Respect to Woman’s Wellbeing

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the influence of gangs in Central America on women and the communities that the gangs control. This examination incorporates system dynamics modeling techniques, which includes using Vensim software to show both Causal Loop and Stock and Flow Diagrams. This research evaluates the influence of a community’s power over its citizens through its ability to enforce anti-gang policies and the strength of local community organizations. Comparing five different Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) allowed the model to provide data to create policy recommendations for the entire region in addition to each of the five countries. Our conclusions suggest that thorough increasing policies restricting gang activities and promoting women’s involvement in society (via higher levels of education, female employment, and female role models), communities will grow stronger and be less affected by the violence and influence of gangs.