Women as users and dealers of inhalants in the streets of Mexico city: A study on empowerment, cooperation, and trust at the margins

Abstract

Introduction: People who live on the streets in Mexico commonly use inhalants to induce psychoactive effects. Research on the distribution, sale, and consumption of these substances is scarce and mostly focuses on men, which limits the understanding of their use and possible public policies. Our ethnographic research concentrates on women who live and work on the street under marginalized conditions in Mexico City.

Methods: A Grounded Theory approach was used to frame the two-year-long field work. A field diary was kept for the multi-sited ethnography and participant observations in street-based settings, as well as five in-depth interviews with female distributors, sellers, and/or users of inhalants. Data was analyzed based on four dimensions: biography, representation as a dealer or user, social dynamics, and geographical distribution of networks to distribute, sell, and use inhalants.

Results: Women involved in the distribution, sale and use of inhalants are motivated by gender violence and socioeconomic vulnerability. They shape reciprocity networks to purchase inhalants in dangerous urban areas and avoid being mugged and physically or sexually assaulted. Although men are the ones who offer protection, women employ women to sell the inhalants and strengthen trust in the community. Distribution begins in clandestine places where combinations of unknown solvents are prepared in 20-L containers. Each liter is supplied for 1.92 USD to be retailed in 9.58 USD per liter in the streets. Particular language and cultural street-codes are necessary conditions in distribution and sales points for safe use and protection from authorities and out-group members.

Conclusion: Trust and cooperation are crucial in reciprocity networks formed by women who distribute, sell and use inhalants in the streets. These networks compensate for the lack of social security and safety, empower women in the street community, and provide income needed to survive marginality.

Keywords: Cooperation; Inhalants; Reciprocity networks; Street; Trust; Women.