The Role of Latino Masculine Values in Mexican Adolescent Sexuality

• Published in: Cultural diversity & ethnic minority psychology 2020-10, Vol.26 (4), p.520-531
• Main Authors: Espinosa-Hernández, Graciela, Velazquez, Efren, McPherson, Jenna L., Fountain, Caitlin, Garcia-Carpenter, Rebeca, Lombardi, Kirstianna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent Development; Age Differences; Female; Human; Human Sex Differences; Intention; Male; Masculinity; Mexican Americans; Private School Education; Psychosexual Behavior; Public School Education; Sexuality; Test Construction; Values; Virginity
• ISSN: 1099-9809; 1939-0106
• DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000328

Objectives: This study broadens the field of quantitative research on culture-specific values and Mexican adolescent sexual behavior from an ecological perspective. We examined how general values such as machismo and caballerismo, and sexual values such as the importance of male virginity are associated with Mexican adolescent normative sexual behaviors and intentions. We also examined the role of gender, age, and school type in these associations. Method: We administered measures of caballerismo, machismo, importance of male virginity, sexual intentions, and sexual behaviors to a sample of 539 Mexican adolescents, aged 12 to 15. Results: The results indicated that adolescents who endorsed the machismo value more had greater intentions to have sex, and were more likely to receive oral sex. Adolescents who endorsed less caballerismo had greater intentions to have sex when they were not sexually active. Additionally, adolescents who reported lower importance of male virginity had greater intentions to have sex and a higher likelihood of having vaginal sex. Gender, age, and school context moderated a few associations. For example, older adolescents (but not younger) who endorsed more caballerismo reported lower intentions to have sex. Conclusions: The current study expands the understanding of how general and sexual culture-specific values are associated with the sexual intentions and behaviors of Mexican adolescents. Public Significance Statement We wanted to understand how cultural values such as machismo and caballerismo may shape adolescent boys' and girls' sexual experiences in Mexico. We found some values may encourage sexual activity. For example, Mexican adolescents who value machismo, compared to those who do not, may want to have sex, when they are not sexually active and receive oral sex from their sexual partner when they are active. On the other hand, other values may discourage sexual activity. Mexican adolescents who value caballerismo or consider it important for boys to be "virgins" may want to wait to have sex when they are not sexually active. We need more studies to help us understand better how these values and sexual behaviors affect each other.