Cultural Strengths and Challenges Given by: Jose Tamez Counseling Latinos Cultural Strengths and Challenges Given by: Jose Tamez

Who are Latinos? Descendants of people whose origin is found in the Spanish-speaking countries of North and South America Dominican Republic, Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Ecuador, etc. Live in the U.S. Other terms used to describe themselves: Mexican, Cuban, Hispanic, American

Latinos are largest minority group (16%) 50.5 million Hispanic/Latinos Statistics Latinos are largest minority group (16%) 50.5 million Hispanic/Latinos ~60% Mexican ~9% Puerto Rican ~4% Cuban ~16% Central/South American 25% of Latino adults are undocumented

Cubans in Florida Puerto Ricans-Northeast Mexican-Americans in many cities Education 40% no high-school diploma 14% Bachelor’s degree ~20% less than 9th grade education

Cultural values & characteristics Development/maintenance of interpersonal relationships Large network of family (includes relatives & friends) Respect & tradition Cooperation among family members

Father=responsibility Children=obedience Godparents=resourcefulness Key roles: Grandparents=wisdom Mother=self-denial Father=responsibility Children=obedience Godparents=resourcefulness

Implications-Cultural values Place other’s needs first Exhaust family resources before seeking outside help Many familial obligations create stress Family responsibilities take precedence over outside concerns Older children take care of siblings

Households of 5+ members Family Structure Households of 5+ members Children obey & not involved in decision making Adolescents help with family finances Parents take care of children into adulthood Marriage & children early Emphasis on activities involving family and not just couple

Implications-Family Structure Consider hierarchy & how decisions are made Conflicts due to differing views of expectations for family members Clashes in cultural values and societal expectations/ help them negotiate both Help them be loyal to family w/out compromising own acculturation

Gender Role Expectations Machismo-men expected to be strong, dominant, provider Marianismo-women expected to be submissive, self- sacrificing, nurturing Family members-obedience

Sources of conflict-Males 1) Lack of confidence in areas of authority with individuals/agencies outside of family 2) Feelings of isolation and depression from need to be strong 3) Conflicts over need to be consistent and demand obedience

Source of conflict-Women Undue expectations in traditional roles Anxiety over not living up to standard Inability to express feelings of anger Once exposed to dominant culture, question whether should be submissive and self- sacrificing…

Implications-Gender roles Explore adherence to traditional/gender roles Some conflict if woman employed and man not Don’t impose your belief of gender equality in relationships If Latina seeks more independence, inform of possible consequences on family & community

Spiritual & Religious values Religion often very important Prayers to saints or God relieves stress Fatalismo-some things are inevitable…must accept them Might make them seem passive in overcoming problems Indigenous healing practices Some believe that mental illness caused by evil spirits

Indigenous practices Used when: feel that evil surrounds us, when we don’t feel well, or simply to improve overall well- being… Cleansing http://youtu.be/ibhi73OwtKw The Evil eye http://youtu.be/N7e3Rca1eow

Educational characteristics ~40% no regular high-school diploma 90% of dropouts never attain GED Can’t attend college, join military or attend vocational programs Dropout reasons: Limited English proficiency More than half of homes use Spanish High pregnancy rates for Latinas +50% one child before age 20 But: college enrollment rose 70% between 1993- 2003

Cultural Strengths Most Latinos raised in 2 parent households Extended family support Familismo-connectedness among family Personalismo-respectful and cooperative communication style Simpatico-relational style that emphasizes social harmony Strong system of spiritual and religious beliefs

Specific challenges High rate of alcohol use 1. Stigma associated with mental illness High rate of alcohol use Depressive systems common, especially among women Psychological distress seen as weakness 2. Acculturation conflicts Societal values different than their own *Healthiest orientation: BICULTURAL-don’t completely reject or accept the mainstream culture

Anti-immigrant sentiment: many afraid of deportations 3. Racism and Discrimination Anti-immigrant sentiment: many afraid of deportations Increased racial profiling 4. Linguistic issues Conduct assessment in client’s primary language Interpret assessment within sociocultural context

¡A CONVERSAR! (Let’s Discuss!) http://youtu.be/TwTRnRTfbvQ Questions 0-1.10/ What are the possible consequences of Latinos staying at home until they get married? 1.40-/ Don’t we all discriminate? Is it ever appropriate?

3. 4.20-4.55/ Have you ever experienced a subtle “hate crime?” 4. 5.00-5.20/ How would you help someone who is having issues with their identity, especially if they are bicultural? Additional resources: Latino values: http://youtu.be/15jdTQIr7j4

EL FIN! GRACIAS!