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This paper presents current narratives about masculinity that question simplistic negative stereotypes of machismo for Latino heterosexual men. Various models of masculinity within Latino cultures are described using evidence from ethnographic studies, research data, and clinical observation. Therapeutic advantages of including positive cultural masculine traits such as respect and dignity are illustrated with an extensive case study. The case highlights contradictions in the coexistence of constructions of masculinity and traces progressive stages for transforming these constructions. In this strength-based approach, attention is directed to elements of cultural memory that reclaim a strong relational ethic present in the indigenous cultures. "Within the culture" definitions of masculinity contribute alternative constructions toward a more empowering cultural narrative for Latino men than the usual negative stereotypes.
Keywords: Engaging Latino Men in Therapy; Multiple Masculinities; Alternative Discourses to Machismo; Strength-Based Constructs for Latino Men; Treating Humiliation and Shame
Fam Proc 49:309-329, 2010
El hombre es fuego la mujer estofa, viene el Diablo y sopla. En el hombre, el Diablo nunca duerme . . .: The man is fire, the woman straw, the devil blows and ignites it. In the man, the devil never sleeps ....
(Mexican saying dating from the Spanish Conquest [my translation])
For several decades, social scientists and popular culture have persisted in their fascination with machismo or the cult of manliness among Latino men from various backgrounds (Diaz-Guerrero, 1975; Echanove Trujillo, 1973; Paredes, 1966; Paz, 1961; Pe?alosa, 1968; Ramos, 1962; Stevens, 1973; Thompson, 1991). In the prototypical description of machismo, the better man is the one who can drink the most, sire the most sons, defend himself the most, dominate his wife, and command the absolute respect of his children. It is also part of the configuration to have strong sexual drives and seek variety in sexual relationships, while being possessive and jealous toward the faithful wife. The old saying "The Devil Never Sleeps" refers to this seemingly incurable or insatiable drive for seduction and the picaresque side of men who cannot stop themselves from thinking and acting on devilish thoughts in the presence of women.
The monolithic simplifications embedded in the machismo mystique are increasingly being questioned by contemporary constructions of Latino heterosexual masculinity. These alternative constructions emerge primarily from the past 20 years of...