The concept of “machismo” is viewed negatively by a majority of U.S. Latinos, though the term carries nuanced meanings that vary by language, nativity, and personal experience, according to a new Pew Research Center study.
The survey, conducted in November 2023, reveals that 83% of Latino adults in the U.S. are familiar with the term “machismo.” Of those who are aware of it, 73% see machismo among Latinos as a negative thing. When including respondents unfamiliar with the term, 60% of all U.S. Latinos hold a negative perception of machismo.
The term “machismo” broadly captures ideas of masculinity, pride, and gender roles, often tied to Spanish-speaking cultures. For decades, discussions around machismo have influenced Hispanic culture, popular media, and political discourse in the U.S. The study highlights that machismo is often associated with toxic masculinity, sexism, and traditional male dominance.
Multiple meanings of machismo
Latino adults who have heard of machismo interpret it in various ways. When asked to define the term in their own words, respondents provided a wide range of meanings:
- 25% described machismo as the belief that men are superior to women.
- 22% associated it with exaggerated or prideful masculinity.
- 19% viewed it as enforcing traditional gender roles.
- 17% defined it as behavior that is aggressive or domineering.
Personal experiences also shape perceptions. 22% of Latino adults familiar with the term said they sometimes or often behave in ways consistent with machismo, with men more likely than women to say so (28% compared to 17%).
Views shaped by language and nativity
Language proficiency and nativity significantly influence how Latinos understand machismo. Spanish-dominant speakers are more likely to define it as a belief in male superiority (34%), compared to just 13% of English-dominant speakers. On the other hand, 42% of English-dominant Latinos said machismo means acting with exaggerated masculinity, compared to only 4% of Spanish-dominant speakers.
Birthplace also plays a role. 34% of Latino immigrants equate machismo with male superiority, while only 16% of U.S.-born Latinos share this view. Conversely, U.S.-born Latinos are more likely to define machismo as prideful masculinity (37%) compared to immigrants (9%).
Gender perspectives on machismo
The study found modest differences in how Latino men and women view machismo. Women are more likely to describe machismo as enforcing gender roles (23%) or promoting aggressive behavior (20%), compared to 16% and 13% of men, respectively. Despite these differences, both men and women predominantly view machismo negatively: 79% of women and 66% of men said machismo is a bad thing.
When asked if their behavior aligns with machismo, men were significantly more likely to agree (28%) than women (17%). Among men who defined machismo as prideful masculinity, 45% said they sometimes or often behave accordingly.
Cultural and societal impacts
Machismo’s implications extend beyond personal identity, influencing broader societal and cultural expectations. The study notes that 46% of Latino adults believe Hispanic men face pressure to avoid expressing emotions, and 33% feel they face pressure to engage in sexualized discussions about women.
Additionally, machismo intersects with traditional views of femininity, known as “marianismo,” which emphasizes women’s roles as nurturing, submissive, and self-sacrificing.
Shifting perceptions in modern society
As discussions around gender equality continue to evolve, the perception of machismo is increasingly scrutinized. Governments in Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, have launched campaigns to combat machismo and its links to gender-based violence.
In the U.S., machismo’s presence in political discourse has been noted, particularly in campaigns emphasizing hypermasculinity to appeal to male voters. The 2024 presidential election saw elements of machismo reflected in campaign rhetoric aimed at men across racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Despite these cultural undercurrents, the Pew study suggests that the traditional view of machismo is fading among younger generations and English-dominant Latinos, who often see it as an outdated concept.
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