The Hispanic population has a diverse and rich cultural heritage. Hispanics place a lot of emphasis on family values and benefit from having close familial bonds. Research has shown a set of core cultural values that influence the parenting style of Hispanic parents. In this article, we will discuss why are Hispanic parents strict.
Core Values Of The Hispanic Population
Following are the core values of the hispanic population
Familismo
It generally refers to the collectivist nature of Hispanic and other Latino cultures. It is a key value affecting parental behavior. Strong family unity, interdependence in daily activities, and proximity to extended family are particular characteristics of familism. Familism is one of the cultural values that are most likely to endure in subsequent generations.
Respeto
Respect is a vital point in lots of traditional Hispanic households. Respect for parents and other senior family members include deference to their judgment, and the requirement for civility, submission, and non-argumentation in all interactions with them.
Gender Roles
In Hispanic families, gender roles have historically been rigid, with males expected to be strong and provide for the family (machismo). Women are expected to be nurturing and to excel in the highly regarded dual roles of wife and mother (hembrismo). Additionally, it is expected of women to submit to the male head of the household (Marianismo – embracing those characteristics of the Virgin Mary.)
Personalismo
It places a strong emphasis on integrity, morality, and other intangible traits when creating social bonds.
These core values place a strong emphasis on submission to parental figures and unwavering obedience.
Hispanic parents tend to have an authoritarian parenting style. Parents with an authoritarian parenting style are considered dominating. Such parents place a higher emphasis on discipline but less on nurturing. It is usually a result of socioeconomic status – people who belong to working-class backgrounds usually have an authoritarian parenting style. Immigrants often settle in poor urban areas and adapt to the local conditions. Low-income communities require immigrants to adopt stricter parenting strategies.
Though generalizing would be unfair, as Hispanic parents also frequently have an authoritative parenting style – it is different from an authoritarian style. Authoritative parents are usually good at striking a healthy balance between discipline and nurturing. Authoritative parents are consistent, warm, and friendly. They allow their children ample opportunity for growth and freedom while setting limits and guidelines.
However, being a calm, loving, and consistent parent is incredibly difficult in an environment of poverty and other stressors, such as parents who are struggling financially or who have their own mental health issues. Additionally, if you’re raising a child in a dangerous environment and are aware that leaving your child unsupervised on the street carries a high risk, you will go to any lengths to keep them safe.
What Is It Like Growing Up In A Hispanic HouseHold?
Regardless of how strict your Hispanic parents may be, they have your best interest at heart. Hispanic children are grateful to be raised by Hispanic parents.
Many of them have shared what it is like growing up with Hispanic parents and grandparents:
Family dinners are important occasions at your home.
The term “family” is used very loosely. Your parents or abuelos spend a significant portion of their income on feeding the entire family on Sundays. You can gain so many uncles and aunts in just one day, despite not being related to them by blood.
Cooking is a serious endeavor.
You are an expert at making delicious tamales, arepas, pasteles, or any other common dish that requires packing as many calories into a small amount as you can. In Hispanic families, preparing mouthwatering meals for those you care about is akin to speaking a language of love.
Your Abuela is always concerned about your well-being.
Abuelas support preventive healthcare, which does not include visiting the doctor for routine checkups. They believe you can protect yourself from getting sick by doing things like wearing socks and sweaters. For instance, it is not acceptable to go barefoot in a Hispanic household. Your grandmother is adamant that if you don’t wear socks, you’ll develop pneumonia.
Your mother always made sure to stuff you inside a sweater whenever you went out.
No matter how hot it was outside and there was no chance for relief, you always had a jacket or a sweater on you. You were unable to leave your house without a sweater, even in the middle of the summer, because your mother insisted that you catch a cold if you didn’t have one.
Food is never devoid of seasoning and flavor.
Food is not food if it lacks adobo or chile. When non-Latino guests ask if something is spicy, everyone in your family replies “no.” However, after a few bites, your non-Latino friends start to turn red and gasp for air because to them, your mild food is hot.
Your parents never compromised on discipline.
You are aware of what chancleta and el cinturón mean, but more significantly, you are aware of their ramifications. Even now, the mere mention of either one still makes you uneasy and makes you feel as though you did something wrong for which you should express regret.
Your parents flat-out forbade few things.
Your parents simply thought that the idea of you staying over at your friend’s house was absurd, so you had to tell your non-Hispanic friends that you couldn’t. To be completely honest, you also found it a little odd, but you had to keep your calm.
Your parents are by your side at all times.
Finally, your parents would do anything to provide for your every need. They were committed to giving you a leg up and giving you a good upbringing. And you will continue to be their baby even when you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s. None of this “you’re an adult when you turn 18 and must care for yourself” nonsense.
The Ending Note
While Hispanic kids wouldn’t trade their experience of growing up in a Hispanic household for the world, Hispanic parents need to learn how to become less strict and adopt warm and supportive parenting strategies that will allow their kids to enjoy more freedom and opportunities.
We hope that you enjoy reading blogs like “Why Are Hispanic Parents Strict”.