Latin American Culture Masculinity: Exploring Toxic Manhood Prevalence
In Latinx communities, the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations can take a toll on mental health. Queer, trans, and non-binary individuals often face rejection for not living up to these norms [0]. However, there is a growing movement to redefine what it means to be a man in these communities, creating safe spaces for discussions about gender, mental health, and how to overcome machismo.
Our website provides articles written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors, grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices, to help readers make informed decisions about mental health-related topics. One such topic is the impact of machismo on mental health within Latinx communities.
Machismo, a deeply ingrained cultural ideology, enforces the idea that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness, leading to emotional suppression and deteriorating mental well-being [1][5]. Men may feel pressured to "man up" and hide feelings of fear or sadness, contributing to emotional suppression and increasing the risks of depression, anxiety, high stress, substance misuse, family dysfunction, and significantly higher suicide rates among Hispanic males [1].
The cultural expectation to be the "sole provider" and "pillar of strength" can be overwhelming, increasing stress and risk for depressive symptoms [1]. There is a strong stigma against acknowledging mental health issues and seeking professional help, partly rooted in machismo along with familismo (family loyalty) and religious beliefs [5].
The suicide death rate for Hispanic males is reported to be 4.4 times higher than for Hispanic females, highlighting the severe consequences machismo can have on men's mental health [1]. Studies found that almost 44% of women in Mexico have been subjected to violence from an intimate partner, and an incredible 66.6% will face violence at some point in their lifetime [2].
However, efforts are underway within younger generations to challenge and change these harmful cultural norms [3]. Encouraging open conversations, validating others' feelings, and challenging stereotypes can help break the cycle of machismo in families. Embracing vulnerability and emotional expression is essential in challenging and redefining Latinx masculinity.
Online therapy is a convenient, effective, and affordable way to navigate the complexities of cultural beliefs and value systems. There are several groups and leaders working towards change, such as Movimiento Manifiesto, Red Latinoamericana y del Caribe contra la Violencia hacia las Mujeres, Marcela Lagarde, and Julieta Paredes [4].
It's important to remember that seeking help, especially when it comes to mental health, is a sign of self-respect, not a weakness. Therapy can help in redefining what masculinity means in one's life. Overcoming machismo isn't about being perfect or getting it right all the time; it's about choosing freedom, connecting with others, and finding self-compassion.
References:
[1] American Psychological Association. (2019). Report of the APA Task Force on Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sexual Orientation: Implications for the Practice of Psychology.
[2] United Nations. (2019). Progress of the World's Women 2019–2020: Families in a Changing World.
[3] Rodriguez, J. (2021). The New Machismo: The Changing Role of Men in Latin America. Oxford University Press.
[4] National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. (n.d.). Leaders. Retrieved from https://www.latinainstitute.org/about/leadership/
[5] Torres, J. (2015). The Latino Divide: Bridging the Gap between America's Richest and Poorest Communities. Beacon Press.
- The deeply ingrained cultural ideology of machismo often leads to emotional suppression and deteriorating mental well-being, increasing the risks of depression, anxiety, high stress, substance misuse, family dysfunction, and significantly higher suicide rates among Hispanic males.
- Online therapy can be a convenient, effective, and affordable way for individuals to navigate the complexities of cultural beliefs and value systems, particularly in redefining what it means to be a man in Latinx communities.
- Embracing vulnerability and emotional expression is essential in challenging and redefining Latinx masculinity, as it can help break the cycle of machismo in families and foster open conversations that promote mental health and well-being.
