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

Abstract

Among the Latina/o/x community, familismo is often deemed as one of the most important institutions of support. Research has consistently demonstrated the various and affirming ways in which the cultural value of familismo is manifested across Latina/o/x familial structures (e.g., unconditional support, acceptance, reciprocity, collectivism, protection, loyalty). Despite such assertions, familismo is not necessarily expressed in the same positive manners toward queer members of the family. After surveying the literature on familial structures and relationships among Latinas/os/xs, including queer individuals, and familismo dimensions, I noted limitations in the ways familismo scholarship is discussed. Consequently, I build on previous conceptions of precarious familismo as a more critical and inclusive theoretical framework of queer Latina/o/x experiences and broader familial relationships.

Not in Front of the Child: Illiberal Familism and the Hungarian Anti‐LGBTQ+ “Child Protective Law”

“…The illiberal instrumentalization of family values clearly shows how familial relationships are influenced by patriarchy and, in this case especially, by heterosexism. This critique is often missing in familism research (Patrón, 2021). Finally, the findings suggest that the Hungarian government defines democracy as "sexual democracy" (Fassin, 2012, p. 288).…”

“…The illiberal instrumentalization of family values clearly indicates how familial relationships are determined by patriarchy and, in this case especially, by heterosexism. This aspect is often missing in familism research (Patrón, 2021). Second, I offer an analysis of how familism contributes to illiberal politics in practice.…”

“…Most research highlights the positive effects of the familistic attitudes and behaviors of immigrant Latinx and Asian youth, such as stronger resilience to discrimination (for an overview, see Christophe & Stein, 2022). However, recent publications also draw attention to the limits of strong familist attitudes, especially its ambivalent or even negative relation to family members who identify with the LGBTQ+ community (Patrón, 2021). This negative correlation between familism and anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes calls for "consideration for systems of oppression," such as patriarchy and heterosexism, when researching familism (Patrón, 2021(Patrón, , p. 1095.…”

“…However, recent publications also draw attention to the limits of strong familist attitudes, especially its ambivalent or even negative relation to family members who identify with the LGBTQ+ community (Patrón, 2021). This negative correlation between familism and anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes calls for "consideration for systems of oppression," such as patriarchy and heterosexism, when researching familism (Patrón, 2021(Patrón, , p. 1095. In Hungary, a typical post-Soviet country in the Central-Eastern European region, processes of re-familialization have been detected after the failures of defamilialist aspirations of state socialism (e.g., Fodor, 2014;Kampichler & Kispéter, 2014;Szelewa, 2006;Szikra & Szelewa, 2010).…”

“Así es la vida”: Stress, control, and coping among Latino/a immigrants.

“…Acculturative stressors are related to difficulties in adapting to a new country or social environment, including language barriers, issues related to documentation status, and discrimination (Caplan, 2007). Familismo is a Latinx cultural value in which a higher emphasis is placed on the family unit than on the individual (Patrón, 2021; Sabogal et al, 1987; Valdivieso-Mora et al, 2016). Spirituality is another Latinx cultural value that emphasizes the centrality of faith and religious activities in one’s life (Fitchett et al, 2007).…”