Machismo

Machismo is to be "manly". Often a man has an exaggerated masculinity about them. I think in different cultures it has different meanings. The word makes me think of a loud and obnoxious man. This is the way I look at machismo but Latinos see it as a respectful, manly, and proud part of their culture. In our book it says, "the classic view is that even in the twentieth century, pervasive machismo defines women's passive roles in the family and in Latin America society as a whole" (Duley and Edwards 1986).

"Marianismo" is what a woman is supposed to live up to by being modest. In "The Other Face of Machismo" Stevens, argues that marianismo, the cult of female superiority, which derives from the Virgin Mary, is a source of strength for women, who use it to wield a certain power while outwardly conforming to the submissive role prescribed by machismo (Duley and Edwards 1986). It is quite interesting how women are categorized as good or bad women. In my opinion this argument is saying women that are good and virgin like will be rewarded and taken care of.

Influence of religion and machismo has led to the abuse of women because of cultural norms. Men think this is cool and are taught this type of behavior at a young age. Children learn what they live and this is a viscous cycle. Women need to be educated about this issue.

The economy isn't good because women are at home instead of working. Man has definitely been influenced by Catholic religion to behave in a "macho' way. This machismo has created a real problem for the economy.

Marianismo has affected women also by the influence of religion. Women believe they should act a certain way because that is what they have been taught culturally. Conditions are getting better for women because they are becoming more educated at this time.