article

Masculinity and gender roles among Puerto Rican men: machismo on the U.S. mainland

American journal of orthopsychiatry • 68 (1) • Published In 1996 • Pages: 16-26

By: Torres, Jose B..

Abstract

In this article, Torres argues for an appreciation of MACHISMO and against the narrow and mostly negative interpretations of Latino male behavior found in the mental health literature. In the literature, machismo is associated with self-aggrandizing, exaggerated masculinity, physical aggression, sexual promiscuity, male dominance, etc. According to Torres when one examines machismo in context of the family and community, its positive aspects become evident: A forcefulness of personality, strength of will, self-confidence, self-assertiveness, affection, caring, love, respect, and protectiveness serve family interests. Machismo is part and parcel of a system of values that includes dignity (DIGNIDAD), respect (RESPETO), and trust (CONFIANZA), the building blocks of any community. Anglo-American biases against the Latino male ethos undermines the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and counseling in the Puerto Rican community.

HRAF PubDate

2002

Region

North America

Sub Region

Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Sociologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2000

Field Date

Not Specified

Coverage Date

1959-1996

Coverage Place

United States

Notes

Jose B. Torres

Includes bibliographical references (p. 26)

LCCN

34039751

LCSH

Puerto Ricans--United States