“The Myth of Machismo: An Everyday Reality For Latin Women”

Machismo has been on my mind lately, and so while doing some cultural research I came accross this great article in the St. Thomas Law Review, published Thursday, June 26, 2003.

Machismo: An Everyday Reality

I also discovered Marianismo

“Marianismo is the inverse or female equivalent of Machismo in Latin American folk culture, that is it is the embodiment of the feminine rather than the masculine. It is the cult of feminine superiority. Evelyn Stevens states: “it teaches that women are semi divine, morally superior to and spiritually stronger than men.”[1] The ideas within marianismo are that of feminine passivity and sexual purity, but are not exclusive to these ideas. There is power in marianismo that stems from the female ability to produce life. This term supposedly derives from Catholic beliefs of Mary as both a virgin and a madonna.”

I never even realized there was a term for this idealization of women in the Latin community.
The Maria Paradox by Rosa Maria Gill and Carmen Inoa Vasquez, I’m adding this one to my booklist right now!

Spread the love

More Articles for You

16 Essential Books on Witches, Witchcraft, Feminist History

These curated books trace the witch from early-modern trials and accusations to feminist history, reproductive politics, aging, sexuality, power, and Gothic fiction.

Spread the love

Raising Boys Today: 18 Books Every Mother of Sons Should Read

Explore the inner lives of boys through psychology, reporting, memoir, cultural criticism, and fiction, from friendship and masculinity to pornography, consent, trauma, race, social media, feminism, and the complicated work of loving sons without possessing them.

Spread the love

10 Essential Books About Taíno History Before 1492: An Indigenous Peoples’ Day Reading List

Explore 10 essential books about Taíno history, archaeology, culture and Indigenous Caribbean life before 1492, curated for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Spread the love

Puerto Rican Porridges: Maizena, Harina de Maíz, and the Comfort of the Boricua Breakfast

A personal and cultural essay on Puerto Rican porridges, including silky maizena, avena and harina de maíz recipes with cinnamon, fresh ginger, and dried orange rind, plus lactose-free options.

Spread the love

Yesteryear and the Problem of “This Moment” Fiction

Disclosure: I received a complimentary advance review copy of Yesteryear. As always, receiving a galley does not influence my opinions. …

Spread the love

42 of the Best Feminist Rage Books and Feminist Theory Books to Read Right Now

I have been seeing a lot of requests for feminist rage books lately, and I understand why. We are living …

Spread the love