Effects of the #MeToo campaign in media, social and political spheres: The case of Mexico

Abstract

This article focuses on the case of Mexico, by analysing the media coverage of #MeToo in Mexico and the public response in the social media (SM) and other spheres of society such as the Mexican state and universities. Two aspects of Mexico’s social context are considered for the study: (1) a country where women’s sexual harassment has deep roots in gender inequality and (2) the fact that during 2017–18 very notorious political campaigns contending for the country’s presidency were occurring; hence the study evaluates the presence of women’s sexual harassment topics in the candidates’ political proposals. The results show that in Mexico the #MeToo movement had the expected effect of thousands of women expressing themselves about this problem, highlighting the multiple work scenarios where sexual harassment occurs. It shows the impact of the #MeToo movement in local # social movements extending their influence from the entertainment industry to universities and other professions. The issue was covered in the candidates’ discourse for the 2018 presidential elections. In general, it can be affirmed that SM in Mexico are public places where different grassroots communities denounce injustices, participate and promote a more egalitarian culture.