Frame Effects and its Limits on Crime and Violence Policy Interventions: The Mexican War on Drugs

Abstract

In order to successfully battle organized crime, governments require a certain degree of citizens’ support. Governments are sometimes able to influence citizens’ opinions, but sometimes they are not. Under what circumstances do pro-government frames influence citizens’ opinions? Will individuals who are victims of crime be equally sensitive to frames than those who are not? We argue that crime victimization desensitizes citizens to pro-government frames. This further complicates governments’ fights against criminals, creating a vicious circle of insecurity, distrust, and frustrated policy interventions. To test our argument, we conducted a frame experiment embedded in a nationwide survey in Mexico. The empirical evidence supports our argument in most circumstances; yet, desensitization is moderated by low media-exposure and identification with the president’s party.

Keywords: Frame effects, persuasion, survey experiments, Mexico, crime, war on drugs