Hispanic Househusbands

Abstract

This is a qualitative field study of Hispanic househusbands in Southern California. It focuses upon 22 men who assume roles which emphasize household maintenance and emotional family support in direct contrast to the norms and traditions of the Latino subculture. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews revealed that most respondents viewed their role reversals as brought about by external economic circumstances and as temporary. Respondents reported greater involvement in family life and a greater understanding of their partners and children. The division of labor remained somewhat traditional although the availability of time influenced task responsibility. Positive self-concept and male gender identity were enhanced when family and friends were supportive and accepting of the role transcendence. Although machismo remained a powerful influence and the women's movement was frequently denied or mistrusted, increased information exchange resulted in crosssex empathy and identification which may ultimately weaken traditional sex role separation. The perceived short-term role reversal may have long-term effects on machismo, ascriptive sex role statuses and social order in the Hispanic community.

Relationship Styles of Self-Focused Autonomy, Other-Focused Connection, and Mutuality Among Mexican American and European American College Students

“…Also, the finding makes credible the idea that people's concerns with autonomy and connection are mutually supportive rather antithetical (Deci & Ryan, 2000;Guisinger & Blatt, 1994). The finding also supports those scholars (e.g., Andrade, 1982;Davis & Chavez, 1985;Montoya, 1996) who have proposed that there is relative equality in Mexican American relationships. Still, in the present study there were gender differences among Mexican Americans that were not apparent among European Americans.…”

Ethnic Variations in Perceptions of Men's Provider Role

“…In a national sample of African American men, those who were less involved in church activities were more likely to support egalitarian roles for men and women in the family (Hunter & Sellers, 1998). Studles of gender role beliefs in general have found that both African Americans and Mexican Americans use religious beliefs to justify traditional roles for men and women in the family (Davis & Chavez, 1985).…”

The role of men in families: Achieving gender equity and suppor ting children

“…This number is small, but is continually growing. These men often did not choose the role, but many express how much the experience has meant to them, and the importance of their attachment to their children (e.g., Davis and Chavez, 1995, for Hispanic men in the US).…”