Hispanic Culture

Hispanic Culture

Bordering the Unites states and Mexican countries, the Texas state is home to numerous nationalities and cultures from around the world. Most importantly, it is home to many Mexicans that are born within the state and legally or illegally residents who crossed the border in search of greener pastures (Marsiglia, 2016). One thing is for sure, the Hispanic natives that possess these lands have adopted the American lifestyle. The American lifestyle is typical of promoting education, equity for all regardless of gender and sexual orientation, and a voice to everyone that has something to contribute. As Mexican Americans living in Texas, it is typical that the majority of them have adopted these kinds of lifestyles and thinking. Crossing the body and entering the country, not the same can be said about the indigenous people of Mexico. There is a huge difference between those who reside in Texas and those who live in their ancestral lands.

According to the interview, it is evident that Robert and Nicole have already integrated the American way of life into their own lifestyle. Robert describes the gender role of their relationship with Nicole as neutral, as they share most of the family responsibilities equally. Education has also been prioritized within their children regardless of their gender. For instance, the three children that they parent all attend schools depending on their academic levels. Healthcare is also an important aspect for them. Nicole emphasizes the importance of seeking healthcare in the United States. Though expensive, she believes it is essential regardless of her customs back home state. In addition, this blended family firmly believes in bringing together her family in times of stressful situations. She advocates for love and unity as the fundamental entity that can help each other face stressful situations in their lives.

However, contrasting notions, assumptions, and actual beliefs contradict some of their views based on the Hispanic culture. For instance, the blended family in the interview firmly believes that equality in terms of gender roles is essential (Miville et al., 2016). However, the Hispanic culture has long drawn a clear line in the responsibilities based on different genders. For instance, the role of males in the Hispanic culture is to take care of the family through protection and provision. The women are expected to take care of the children and address different home chores, thereby laying the foundation of a strong family. In addition, equal education among the Hispanic culture is not a priority. In the interview, Nicole and Robert champion for equal education for their three children. However, in the conservative Hispanic culture, emphasis is put on educating boys and men, as they are perceived as the providers of their family, thus the need of educating them over their ladies/women counterparts (Miville et al., 2016).

Family roles primarily affect each individual’s cultural domain and relationships in the interview in various ways (Ortiz, 2020). For instance, Nicole being an advocate for gender equality, educating her kids, and strongly believing in American healthcare is unusual. This creates conflict between her and her tradition, culture, and beliefs. According to her traditions, she is expected to stay at home and take care of her children as she prepares her daughter for marriage. Robert is expected to be the sole provider and protector of the family. Seeing his wife as an equal would create problems, as he expected to take charge and command according to the Hispanic culture (Ortiz, 2020). The children believe in pursuing their dreams, but according to their Hispanic culture, certain roles and responsibilities already dictated for them would greatly comprise their relationship with their current life and tradition.

References

Marsiglia, F. F. (2016). Social work practice with Mexican Americans. In Decolonizing social work (pp. 155-170). Routledge.

Miville, M. L., Mendez, N., & Louie, M. (2017). Latina/o gender roles: A content analysis of empirical research from 1982 to 2013. Journal of Latina/o Psychology, 5(3), 173.

Ortiz, F. A. (2020). Self-actualization in the Latino/Hispanic culture. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 60(3), 418-435.