Marianismo or the idea that a woman needs to be “pure” (virtuous) is particularly prevalent in the Latino community. Women in this culture are raised to be subservient, passive, and nurturing (Bechhofer and Parrot, 1991). They are considered socially inferior to men. Latino men are not expected to hold the same mores Latina women are. Males are expected to be dominate (almost exaggeratedly so). They are given the sexual freedom Latino woman are not due to their masculinity (Machismo). It’s important to remember, however, that Latino women hold a special position of respect in the household because they are the care takers of the children and are the nurtures of the family (Spradlin, p. 123). Essentially females are considered superior morally
