Immigrant Latinx men’s perspectives on domestic violence
- 1 January 2022
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Journal of Family Social Work
- Vol. 25 (1), 8-24
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10522158.2022.2049667
Abstract
Historically, most practice-informed research and research-informed practice have focused on domestic violence (DV) victimization. These explanations are often preferred by practitioners, advocates, and policymakers due to their straightforwardness and simplicity. However, an understanding of DV perpetration is enhanced when we look through the multiple lenses of culture and society, relationship, and gender. The objective of this exploratory research is to document the beliefs and experiences of nine immigrant Latino men regarding domestic violence. The study employed descriptive phenomenology to gain a deeper understanding of participants’ lived experiences from their perspectives and in their words. An integrated, ecological framework guided the contributions of culture, relationships, and personal characteristics when understanding the Latino men’s beliefs and experiences of DV. The patriarchal gender roles of “machismo” and domination are common themes. Participants discuss the conflicts of immigrants operating their gendered roles in a country which has laws against physical enforcement of these roles. The participants recommend those who encounter Latinx DV consider three key factors: (1) socialization of male children and young men, (2) dignity and worth of young girls and women, and (3) clear communication, respect, and mutual understanding between spouses and extended family members.Keywords
This publication has 27 references indexed in Scilit:
- Familism and psychological health: The intervening role of closeness and social support.Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 2014
- Parental nativity and the decision to substantiate: Findings from a study of Latino children in the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW II)Children and Youth Services Review, 2012
- Interpersonal Victimization Among a National Sample of Latino WomenViolence Against Women, 2012
- Acculturation and Adolescent Health: Moving the Field ForwardJournal of Prevention, 2009
- Acculturation and Violence in Minority Adolescents: A Review of the Empirical LiteratureJournal of Prevention, 2009
- Toward a fuller conception of Machismo: Development of a traditional Machismo and Caballerismo Scale.Journal of Counseling Psychology, 2008
- Intimate Partner Violence in the Latino Community and Its Effect on ChildrenHealth Care for Women International, 2005
- Domestic Violence in Hispanics in the Southeastern United States: A Survey and Needs AnalysisJournal of Family Violence, 2004
- Immigrant Women and Domestic ViolenceGender & Society, 2002
- Violence Against WomenViolence Against Women, 1998