Legislating gender justice: contrasting approaches to media and cyber violence in Mexico’s Congress
Journal
Journal of Gender-Based Violence
ISSN
2398-6808
2398-6816
Publisher
Bristol University Press
Date Issued
2025-07-28
Author(s)
Type
text::journal::journal article
Abstract
<jats:p>This study examines the legislative approaches of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies to gender stereotypes, media violence and cyber violence, focusing on the influence of deputy gender and political affiliation on legislative priorities and strategies. Analysing 43 bills introduced between 1997 and 2024, the research employs qualitative content analysis using NVivo software to explore legislative definitions, preventive strategies and punitive measures.</jats:p>
<jats:p>The findings reveal that legislative efforts reflect broader feminist debates on the systemic versus individual nature of gendered violence. Female legislators, particularly from progressive parties like MORENA and PRD, emphasise the structural roots of media and cyber violence, advocating for reforms that integrate prevention through media regulation and education. Conversely, male deputies and conservative parties like PAN and PRI tend to frame these issues in terms of individual responsibility, focusing on punitive measures such as criminalisation and fines, often neglecting the systemic and cultural drivers of violence.</jats:p>
<jats:p>The contrasting legislative approaches mirror feminist discussions surrounding the conceptualisation of violence and the balance between structural reform and accountability. While significant progress has been made in addressing technology-facilitated violence, challenges remain in achieving cohesive and effective legal frameworks that balance prevention, accountability and the dismantling of systemic gender inequalities.</jats:p>
<jats:p>The findings reveal that legislative efforts reflect broader feminist debates on the systemic versus individual nature of gendered violence. Female legislators, particularly from progressive parties like MORENA and PRD, emphasise the structural roots of media and cyber violence, advocating for reforms that integrate prevention through media regulation and education. Conversely, male deputies and conservative parties like PAN and PRI tend to frame these issues in terms of individual responsibility, focusing on punitive measures such as criminalisation and fines, often neglecting the systemic and cultural drivers of violence.</jats:p>
<jats:p>The contrasting legislative approaches mirror feminist discussions surrounding the conceptualisation of violence and the balance between structural reform and accountability. While significant progress has been made in addressing technology-facilitated violence, challenges remain in achieving cohesive and effective legal frameworks that balance prevention, accountability and the dismantling of systemic gender inequalities.</jats:p>