Mapping the Labyrinth from Within: The Political Economy of Nicaraguan Youth Policy Concerning Violence

Abstract

This article explores some of the methodological dimensions relating to the study of the two main Nicaraguan governmental organisations that deal with youth violence: the National Police and the Office of the Special Ombudsman for Children and Adolescents. It details how they were mapped institutionally and how their dysfunctions, contradictions and interactions were identified, including the ways in which the problem of political interference emerged and manifested itself through the coexistence of incongruent interest groups, discourses and practices in both organisations. The analytical process is explained and there is a detailed discussion of how the author obtained access to information.