Latinx Masculinity Exploration: Delving into Harmful Traditional Maleness
The Harmful Impact of Machismo on Mental Health in the Latinx Community
Machismo, a deeply ingrained aspect of Latinx culture, has been identified as a significant factor contributing to mental health challenges within the community. This traditional masculine ideology, characterized by a strong sense of pride and rigid adherence to male roles, discourages men from expressing emotions and seeking mental health support, leading to a range of mental health issues [1][2].
The emotional repression promoted by machismo often results in depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels among men. This emotional suppression is linked to higher suicide rates among Hispanic males compared to females [1]. Men may also resort to substance misuse or display anger and family conflict due to the pressure to "man up" and be the sole family provider and pillar of strength [1].
Beyond men, machismo contributes to broader mental health stigma within Hispanic/Latinx communities. Admitting to mental health struggles is often seen as shameful or taboo, which coupled with cultural values such as familismo and certain religious beliefs, creates barriers to openly addressing mental health and accessing professional care [2][4].
Research with Latinx young adults emphasizes that these issues are part of wider structural and social determinants that affect mental wellness, including economic and educational barriers [3]. Successful mental health interventions require culturally sensitive approaches that acknowledge these cultural dimensions while challenging harmful norms like machismo.
The phrase "Los hombres no lloran" (men don't cry) is commonly used in Latinx homes, teaching boys from a young age to hide parts of themselves that they associate with weakness. This emotional restriction is not exclusive to men. Women and non-binary individuals who face machismo ideology are more likely to have controlling partners and parent figures and to encounter violence and exclusion [5].
Machismo culture in Latinx communities is a set of unwritten rules about what "being a man" means, including stoicism, hypermasculinity, dominance, protectiveness, and the idea that "real men don't cry." Another traditional ideology in Latinx culture, marianismo, idealizes women as pure, self-sacrificing, and submissive beings, modeled after the Virgin Mary [6].
However, there is hope for change. Challenging and redefining Latinx masculinity requires showing vulnerability and emotional expression. Seeking help, especially when it comes to mental health, is a sign of self-respect, not a weakness. Online therapy is a convenient, effective, and affordable way to navigate the complexities of cultural beliefs and value systems [6].
Latinx communities are starting conversations about gender, healing, mental health, and the harmful effects of machismo. Support groups and leaders like Movimiento Manifiesto, Red Latinoamericana y del Caribe contra la Violencia hacia las Mujeres, Marcela Lagarde, and Julieta Paredes are helping to challenge norms and cultural identities for a healthier, more inclusive future [7].
Our website offers articles written by mental health-wellness contributors grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices, extensively reviewed by a team of clinical experts to ensure content accuracy. 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.
[1] "Machismo and Its Impact on Hispanic Mental Health." National Alliance on Mental Illness, nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Cultural-Diversity/Machismo-and-Its-Impact-on-Hispanic-Mental-Health. [2] "The Intersection of Culture and Mental Health." American Psychological Association, apa.org/pi/oema/resources/cultural-competence/intersection-of-culture-and-mental-health. [3] "The Role of Culture in Mental Health." National Institute of Mental Health, nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/cultural-diversity-in-mental-health/index.shtml. [4] "Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination." World Health Organization, who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-stigma-and-discrimination. [5] "The Impact of Machismo on Women and Non-Binary Individuals." National Women's Law Center, nwlc.org/resources/the-impact-of-machismo-on-women-and-non-binary-individuals/. [6] "Redefining Masculinity: A Call to Action." The Trevor Project, thetrevorproject.org/resources/articles/redefining-masculinity-a-call-to-action/. [7] "Latinx Mental Health Resources." The Trevor Project, thetrevorproject.org/resources/articles/latinx-mental-health-resources/.
- Online therapy, grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices, can be a convenient, effective, and affordable way for individuals in the Latinx community to challenge the harmful effects of machismo and address their symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
- Machismo, a traditional masculine ideology within the Latinx culture, discourages men from seeking help for mental health issues, leading to increased stress levels, depression, anxiety, higher suicide rates, substance misuse, and family conflict.
- Beyond impacting men, machismo contributes to broader mental health stigma within Hispanic/Latinx communities, making it taboo to openly address mental health struggles, and creating barriers to accessing professional help.
- Support groups, such as Movimiento Manifiesto, Red Latinoamericana y del Caribe contra la Violencia hacia las Mujeres, and The Trevor Project, are playing a crucial role in challenging norms and cultural identities for a healthier, more inclusive future by having conversations about gender, healing, mental health, and the harmful effects of machismo in the fashion-and-beauty, health-and-wellness, and lifestyle communities.
