Role of Women in Mexican Society
The Nobel Prize-winning Mexican author Octavio Paz, in his book "The Labyrinth of Solitude," made a revealing comparison between the roles of men and women in Mexican culture. Paz examined the machismo (masculine bravado) among males and the marianismo (feminine virtue) among women. Although the feminist movement has changed the culture to some degree, Mexican women are still more a channel of the masculine will rather than a creator of the rules and values of the society.
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Maternal Role
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Motherhood is highly esteemed in Mexican culture. Mother's Day is one of the most sacred days on the calendar. A Mexican woman's priority is her children, coming even before her husband. As the Virgin Mary is the role model of motherhood, the mother is treated as a goddess. To shout the word "madre" in certain contexts is considered a profanity of something sacred.
Spousal Role
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Along with their maternal role, Mexican women have traditionally been valued as supportive spouses. A Mexican wife is seen as an extension and complement to her husband. She is considered responsible for the majority of household tasks.
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Sexual Role
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Mexican women, as described by Paz, have no real desires of their own, serving as a channel of the male desire and not as an equal partner in the sexual equation. The role of prostitute is a historic role that some women have performed. Satisfying male desire is the main goal.
Educational Role
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Women are often placed in the roles of teachers in Mexican society. In Catholic schools, nuns give instruction to children in the basic subjects. In secular elementary schools, the great majority of teachers are women. In the universities, however, males dominate the role of professor.
Work Roles
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When Mexican women work outside the home, they are most commonly found in supporting and nurturing roles such as teacher, nurse or secretary. The number of Mexican women in decision-making positions of authority is small.
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