Hispanic Sex OffendersCultural Characteristics and Implications for Treatment (From Handbook of Sex Offender Treatment, P 45-1 - 45-10, 2011, Barbara K. Schwartz, ed. - See NCJ-243091)

• NCJ Number: 243136
• Author(s): Nicolas Carrasco, Ph.D.; Diane Garza-Louis, M.Ed.
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Civic Research Institute, Inc
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter presents a study that examined cultural values and macho/machismo among Hispanic Sex offenders, along with implications for their treatment.

Abstract

In Hispanic cultures, the terms "macho" and "machismo" have different connotations. "Macho" has positive connotations, as it describes a male of any age who behaves in a "manly" manner, meaning with courage, dignity, respect for others, pride and honor, protection of women, and love for family and children (Valdez, Baron, & Ponce, 1987), machismo," on the other hand has negative connotations, as it refers to behavior that manifests machista, or "chauvinistic" attitudes. Features of machismo include arrogance, the dishonoring of women, being authoritarian and disrespectful, unfaithfulness, and irresponsibility. Behavior and attitudes associated with machismo are also associated with sex-offending behavior, since it involves arrogance, abuse of power, abuse of authority in the family, and double standards for the sexes. It is essential that professionals who work with Hispanic sex offenders understand the relationship between culture and machismo, as well as how these factors may relate to a sex offense. The study reported in this chapter found that Hispanic and Mexican-American sex offenders generally distorted the traditional Hispanic cultural concept of "obedienca afiliativa (filial obedience). This is a cultural premise that ascribes to the father unquestioned obedience from his children and wife. In mature Hispanic families, however, the father's/husband's power is tempered by "love/responsibility." Hispanic sex offenders have embraced the cultural concept of obedience to the male figure in the family, but without the tempering feature of love/responsibility. For Hispanic sex offenders, treatment providers should discuss the concept of filial obedience as also incorporating love and responsibility toward children and women, i.e., authority exercised with a protective and supportive empathy. 6 tables and 17 references