Latino/Hispanic Culture - Research Paper Example

The general characteristics of this social group can be divided into three behavioral areas, to include family values, gender roles, and views on religion. The first category, family values, are those traits that affect how members of the immediate as well as extended family view and treat one another, as well as what is taught to children. Gender roles relate to this closely, as they define how men and women are important but different not only in the family, but in society. Finally, views on religion explain how Latino culture—as individuals, families, and a social group as a while—interprets its religion and applies it to daily life.

Family values of Latino culture can be observed in several ways. The first is in finding a set of words that may be specific values. A study of white stereotypes of Hispanics found that Hispanic values were: “physical fitness, salvation, mature love, religious experience, recognition by community, good life for others, national greatness, putting off pleasure, pursuit of knowledge, good health, economic prosperity, financial independence” (Jackson 6). This outside perception lists a generally positive set of values, and for all intents and purposes is probably accurate.

Another report mentions the existence of what is called familism in Latino culture, which is a much stronger sense of family connection and commitment than that of other cultures. Some specific indicators of this are “sharing of economic resources, mutual assistance and social support, and frequent contact among family members.” Specific values and attitudinal characteristics were listed in the same report as “loyalty, reciprocity, and solidarity.” (Bradatan) Familism does not reside only to the immediate family, but extends to cousins and beyond.

This represents the aforementioned sense of loyalty in Hispanic families, and provides a system of support and protection. Another value is that of “bien educado”, meaning the need for an individual to be well-raised by the family. Furthermore, Hispanic families exhibit a sense of collectivism, congeniality, and highly emphasized respect for one another and the family’s reputation. (Marquez) These factors as a whole come together to form a complete description of family values, where what other social groups perceive from the outside generally matches what Hispanics value within.

Gender roles are highly present in Latino culture, and remain well-preserved despite different views in other social groups. The word “machismo” is central to the idea of gender roles in Latino culture, and its counterpart, “marianismo” helps complete the idea. Machismo is the dominant and independent attitude that is valued in men, while marianismo is a submissive and dependent sentiment. In a positive aspect, machismo is what drives a man to sacrifice and provide for his family. In a negative way, a male may find that fulfilling such an obligation does not forbid him from otherwise acting irresponsibly.

Women, in a marianismo sense, are defined as mothers more than as wives, and thus their gender role is to tend to family and children. Because women focus on being a mother and being in the home, they often are in a position of economic dependence on the man that is husband. This reinforces the gender roles, perpetuating the male dominance and female submission. (Gender) The machismo attitude plays a crucial role in adolescence, as young Hispanic males feel the need to live up