The Health Risks of “Marianismo”
Subject Area
Hispanic Women Writers
Abstract
The paper examines the representation of “marianismo” in writing by Latinas publishing in the United States. Mexican-American and Puerto Rican-American authors frequently portray female characters who are docile, self-effacing and tireless caregivers. These women demonstrate a great capacity for sacrifice in regards to others. Despite their own desires or needs, they are always respectful of and subordinate to the demands of parents and husband. The set of behaviors displayed by such “model” women in their role of obedient daughter and wife respond to social expectations that call for upright females to emulate Mother Mary. In the texts examined, women suffer from a variety of mental and physical ailments that are overlooked and go untreated because in their upbringing women have internalized the need to care for others at the detriment of self. The essay argues that adherence to “marianismo” can present serious health risks for Latinas themselves and jeopardize the well-being of their family.
Brief Bio Note
Gisela Norat is Professor of Spanish at Agnes Scott College, a liberal arts college for women in Atlanta where she teaches Latina and Latin American women's literature. She is author of Marginalities: Diamela Eltit and the Subversion of Mainstream Literature in Chile. She has published scholarly articles on issues of immigration, sexual identities, oppression, and motherhood in Hispanic women’s writings.
Keywords
Latinas, Marianismo, Illness, Health, Motherhood
Location
Room 211
Presentation Year
2015
Start Date
3-26-2015 1:30 PM
End Date
3-26-2015 2:45 PM
Embargo
5-23-2017
Recommended Citation
Norat, Gisela, "The Health Risks of “Marianismo”" (2015). South East Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures (SECCLL). 85.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/seccll/2015/2015/85
The Health Risks of “Marianismo”
Room 211
The paper examines the representation of “marianismo” in writing by Latinas publishing in the United States. Mexican-American and Puerto Rican-American authors frequently portray female characters who are docile, self-effacing and tireless caregivers. These women demonstrate a great capacity for sacrifice in regards to others. Despite their own desires or needs, they are always respectful of and subordinate to the demands of parents and husband. The set of behaviors displayed by such “model” women in their role of obedient daughter and wife respond to social expectations that call for upright females to emulate Mother Mary. In the texts examined, women suffer from a variety of mental and physical ailments that are overlooked and go untreated because in their upbringing women have internalized the need to care for others at the detriment of self. The essay argues that adherence to “marianismo” can present serious health risks for Latinas themselves and jeopardize the well-being of their family.
