Mexican Culture

The family dynamic and culture of Mexican Americans living in the barrios of Los Angeles is similar to other groups of Mexican Americans. This is particularly true when it comes to family structure and dynamics, one that closely resembles its traditional origins in Mexico. As Silverstein and Chen argue, "Mexican Americans are the immigrant group that has most successfully retained their culture and language in the U.S." (188).

The Mexican American family in South Central Los Angeles that is the focus of my research hails from Mexico City, Mexico. The historical structure of the Mexican family was the outcome of socioeconomic requirements of an agrarian and craft economy in Mexico. Extended multi-generational groups of family members adopted social roles that were outlined for them by a male hierarchy dominating both society and family dynamics. Mutual support, sustenance and family member interaction were common both at work and at home. Discussing the influence of work on family dynamics and characteristics, Buriel claims, "Mexican immigrants are associated with such personality characteristics as independence, responsibility, and deferred gratification...characteristics well-suite to survival in an unfamiliar environment and probably encouraged by immigrant parents in their socialization practices" (997).

Once migrating to the U.S., Mexican families typically continued to maintain traditional fam

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actions, and reactions that are potentially feminine" (Torres, Solberg and Carlstrom 164). In contrast to this perspective, within the Mexican family the significant role of the father and the concept of machismo play a valuable role in the socialization and maturation of young makes. This is because machismo is viewed as courageous, valorous, and generous behavior to the Mexican male, one that also encompasses a respect for other people. Machismo also encompasses the role of protector of the family and the dispenser of fair and just decisions to Mexicans. Failing to consider these aspects of Machismo may have a negative impact on the socialization of younger males who begin to view it as a negative from mainstream stereotypes. As Alejandro Moreno, founder of National Compadres Network, explains, "There is a whole other side to the word than a womanizer who talks big and wears neck chains. It means a man doing right by his wife, children, and companions. We are trying to take the word back and teach it to all who will listen" (Wood 1). The aspect of family structure that includes rigid sex and age roles is also important to the Mexican family dynamic. In this arrangement women are perceived as being submissive, na�ve a

Category: Philosophy - M