Complicating Traditional Understandings of Familismo: Precariousness in the Lives of Queer Latino Men in College

Precarious familismo among Latinas/os/xs: Toward a critical theoretical framework centering queer communities

“…Positive conceptions of familismo can come into question when involving queer individuals. Patrón (2020b) contended that there could be variations in the way family members understand and behave toward those who are queer, ultimately pointing to adverse incidents. Similarly, Guarnero and Flaskerud (2008) argued that traditional Latino families have negative perceptions of queer individuals while Guzman (2006) regarded Latino families largely as homophobic.…”

“…In fact, research has repeatedly noted family as a core cultural value (Calzada et al, 2012; Marín & Marín, 1991; Patrón, 2020a; Sabogal et al, 1987) and has demonstrated the various and affirming ways in which familismo is manifested across Latina/o familial structures and relationships (e.g., unconditional support, acceptance, warmth, protection, loyalty). Family and notions of familismo have positively influenced the overall wellbeing of Latinas/os—from educational experiences to psychosocial health (Patrón, 2020a, 2020b; Stein et al, 2014; Valenzuela & Dornbusch, 1994). Sabogal et al (1987) stated that the Hispanic family (non-white) is an “emotional support system composed of a cohesive group of lineal and collateral relatives in which members can find help on a regular basis and rely on relatives more than on external sources of support” (p. 398).…”

“…Despite the pervasiveness of homophobia in Latina/o/x families, for example, Latinas/os/xs are not inherently homophobic. Instead, they are socialized and influenced by patriarchal and heterosexist structures (Flowers & Buston, 2001; Patrón, 2020b; Wickens & Sandlin, 2010). Thus, I encourage the reader to not solely think of familial behaviors at an individual level but to instead consider the connections between such behaviors and systemic oppression.…”

“…Due to theoretical shortcomings, Patrón (2020b) called for an assessment and possible reconfigurations to familismo in order to more accurately account for sexually marginalized Latinas/os/xs and their familial experiences. As such, this manuscript was especially designed to build and attend to that call.…”

“…This approach then allowed me to explicitly account for theoretical limitations based on the literature, ultimately pointing to the need for a more critical theoretical grounding that is inclusive of queer identities. To exemplify such need, I expand on familismo’s original dimensions through the proposing of precarious familismo (Patrón, 2020b) as a critical theoretical framework. I conclude with research implications.…”