The cultures of Central and South American societies are substantially derived from colonial and Catholic traditions. So, this history shaped customary gender inequalities and patriarchal family organization in the countries of that geographical region. But the way people lived in these societies also led to certain cultural stereotypes about the roles of men and women in Latin America.

These roles refer to the cultural ideals of “macho”—describing the traits of proper manhood for men that are called “machismo,” and “marianistas”—describing the traits of proper womanhood for women that are called “marianismo.”

Here I review in more detail the major cultural virtues, merits, and beliefs about what proper “marianistas” are supposed to be.

What Are the Main Virtues of “Marianistas” in Latin America?

The key virtues that distinguish marianismo from machismo are spirituality and purity. Macho men are assumed to have moral flaws in their character and behavior. Therefore, morally proper women are supposed to balance out men’s less-than-holy roles.

The concept of “marianismo” originally referred to the religious devotion to the Virgin Mary (María in Spanish). She is regarded by Catholics for her virtues of moral righteousness, spiritual self-sacrifice, and suffering. The Virgin Mary is a marianista role model for Latina women.

The cultural values of “marianismo” of Latino women revere the feminine moral qualities of interpersonal harmony and the feeling of inner strength. They advocate for women to maintain their sexual purity, chastity, feminine passivity, familism, self-silencing, and self-sacrifice.

What Are the Beliefs of Marianista Women?

According to the ideals of “good women,” marianistas must adhere to specific moral beliefs. Among the key marianista beliefs are the following:

Being Spiritual

The Catholic spiritual values of marianista women put them in a special role. Latin American women are semi-divine, morally superior to men, and stronger spiritually than men. Therefore, they have duties, responsibilities, and abilities to lead their families in religious practice and spiritual growth. They should be “good wives” and “good mothers.” 

Familismo

The concept of “familismo” refers to a person’s strong identification with and attachment to his or her family, both nuclear and extended. In Latino cultures, both men and women are expected to value their families, yet the ways in which they do so differ depending on gender norms.

Men are supposed to offer financial resources, safety, and leadership. On the other hand, women are expected to provide emotionally and physically by raising children and performing domestic labor. Proper marianista women should provide strength to families by ensuring their unity, health, and happiness. Latina women adhere to traditional values of keeping “family issues” within the family. For example, they are discouraged from discussing relationship abuse in the family with others. This way, they protect their families’ reputations.

Respeto

The concept of respeto characterizes the respect of a proper relationship and the attitudes of duty, obedience, compliance, and deference that a person adheres to others in a hierarchical family organization. These attitudes maintain orderly family relations and proper behavior in interpersonal situations. Members of the family should not speak against those who are higher in status.

Self-silencing

The marianismo virtues teach Latin women to keep their personal thoughts, feelings, and desires silent and unspoken. Latina women believe that “keeping things inside” and withholding them lets them stay away from disagreements in relationships. The adverse side of this attitude of suppression is the higher risk of anxiety and depression. This belief encourages women to be tolerant in any type of family relationship, even violent and abusive ones.

Simpatía

The concept of “simpatía” describes the high values of kindness and keeping peace in relationships. The simpatía attitude of marianismo suggests women restrain assertiveness and prevent disagreements for the sake of maintaining harmonious relationships.