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Essay on Latino Difference in Gender Identities
One approach in understanding Latino families is to start with cultural generalizations, or general characteristics of a group. As with any group, there is diversity among Latinos. Meeting the parenting information needs of Latino parents in the United States requires more than Spanish translations of existing materials. One cultural generalization we can begin with is the Latino value of family unity, loyalty to the family, and an emphasis on cooperation rather than competition among family members and friends. We can assume that this cultural generalization is somewhat true for most of Latino families and can be used as a working hypothesis. However, to assume that all Latinos fit this generalization is to stereotype.
With this said, when reviewing any generalization, keep them in mind but remember styles in families differ depending on their degree of acculturation or biculturalism .There are additional cultural generalizations that can provide support to family educators working with Latino families. One is the important value of collectivism and familism. Collectivism is a value in loyalty to, and the contribution of, the group-as opposed to focusing on a particular individual. Familism is a value that underlies the strong Latino identification with members of the extended familism. Latino families have a strong sense of family identification and structure as well as support for extended family. The extended family often includes not only blood relatives but also non-blood relatives such as the best man, maid of honor, and godparents.
Specific to Latino audiences, cultural norms may also include "hierarchical regard," or respect toward those with power and positions of authority within the home, state, and church. The level of respect paid and the type of relationship developed depend on the person's age, gender, and social class. For example, there is a difference in child rearing according to gender of the child with male children afforded greater freedom to come and go as they please......
