Machismo, Marianismo, and The Ethics of Care

Open Access

Abstract

Historically, in Latin American culture, (especially Mexican and Chicanx) there exists systematic gender performance phenomena known as Machismo and Marianismo. Machismo is characterized by males having an "expansive and almost uncontrollable" sexual appetite; It is assumed to be their right to satisfy that desire in the ways they choose. This sexual behavior is a source of pride for machos, thus they must prove their machismo by upholding their sexual dominance via extramarital affairs and domestic violence. Marianismo is the feminine counterpart of machismo which is characterized by "hyperfeminine" behavior, as well as a belief that women are morally and spiritually superior to men. Hence, a woman must place her needs after those of her family and spouse. In this presentation I will explore this phenomenon and it's parallels to the ethics of care.