The Impact of Machismo on Hispanic Women

Because of the increasing number of Hispanic women in the United States and their severe socioeconomic, health, and mental health needs, social workers must empower these women, so they can participate in the mainstream society. This article discusses the values that Hispanic women bring from their countries of origin, which are dictated by the belief in male superiority and dominance, popularized as machismo, and legitimated through patriarchal social systems. In addition, it presents suggestions for empowering Hispanic women at both the micro and macro levels, including work with individual women and changing policies and social systems to build a global response to violence against women.