Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself: Latina Girls and Sexual Identity

Perceived discrimination and sexual precursor behaviors in Mexican American preadolescent girls: The role of psychological distress, sexual attitudes, and marianismo beliefs.

“…This suggests that an emphasis on maintaining one’s virginity before marriage and respect for the Latina/o hierarchical family structure, including the desire to keep discomfort to a minimum out of this respect, may lead to less engagement in sexual precursor behaviors by way of more conservative attitudes toward sex (Castillo et al, 2010). The Latino cultural tenet of respeto, on which the virtuous/chaste and subordinate to others pillars are based, has been defined not only as avoiding bringing shame to one’s family, but also respeto a sí misma, or respecting the self particularly in the context of romantic relationships (Garcia, 2012). Indeed, there have been efforts to incorporate respeto into Latino/a-tailored sexual risk prevention programs such as ¡ Cuidaté!…”

Schools as racialized organizations in policy and practice

“…For example, racialized masculinity operates through teacher and faculty assumptions of Black and Latinx boys as troublemakers and white and Asian boys as naturally smart (Harris, 2018). Latinas are assumed to be hypersexual and mature beyond their years, while white and Asian girls are assumed to be innocent and good students (Bettie, 2003;Garcia, 2012;Ochoa, 2013). These assumptions within school settings are harmful and lead to the reproduction of inequalities.…”

Evoking the guerrera spirit: Latinas pursuing self-definition and navigating college access.

“…These resistance strategies however suggest that Latinas may not be able to be both academically successful and sexual. Latina youth have, however, also engaged in sexual activity while still claiming a right to humanity and respectability (L. Garcia, 2012).…”

“…Creating caring environments where Latinas feel valued and holistically supported can facilitate learning (Locke & Grooms, 2022; Rolón, 2000). This is critical as Latinas do not always feel understood by White people (Cooper, 2013; L. Garcia, 2012; Peguero et al, 2015) and can go through their entire educational experience without ever being taught by a Latine teacher (Diaz, 1998).…”