Machos, Mistresses, Madonnas: Contesting the Power of Latin American Gender Imagery (Critical Studies in Latin American and Iberian Cultures) [Paperback]

Marit Melhuus (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Critical Studies in Latin American and Iberian Cultures | Publication Date: February 1, 1997

Challenging the stereotypical images of the dominating male and the subservient woman, this book addresses the variety of representations of in Latin American culture. Ranging across homosexuality, prostitution, football, politics and ethnic relations, this study analyzes the many potent images of gender, from Maradona, the child trickster of Argentinian football, to La Malinche, mistress of a Conquistador and traitor to her nation. Based on social anthropological fieldwork, the essays present ethnographic material from Mexico city to the highlands of Ecuador. Drawing particular attention to the cultural and symbolic meanings of gender, the contributors redress the economic bias that has underpinned research in Latin America. Together, the essays reveal the central role of gender differences in the making of ethnic, national, political and economic divisions. Kristi Anne Stolen is the co-editor of "Gender and Social Change in Developing Countries" and "Power and Social Change in the Argentine Praire".

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Gender, and the breaking down of stereotypes that it engenders, is the theme of this well-written, scholarly treatment by chiefly Norwegian anthropological researchers. Ten contributed chapters cover the breadth of Latin America from Mexico to Argentina. Of special note is the editors' opening chapter, which offers an excellent introduction to the subject and its literature. Because the concept of the "macho," or maleness, is such an ingrained part of Latin American culture, individual chapter authors approach the subject through the vehicle of machismo and oppression/subordination relationships. Following the model presented by Octavio Paz in his famous The Labyrinth of Solitude, this approach focuses necessarily on sexual identity and societal roles, especially those based on Catholic teachings. Homosexuals, prostitutes, football fans, market women, beekeepers, and dancers weave in and out of this thought-provoking book. Through these research informants, the reader gains an understanding of gender problems and their implications for societies in Latin America. Recommended for academic libraries with Latin American and women's studies collections.?Cynthia D. Bertelsen, Indexing Svcs., Blacksburg, Va.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Verso (February 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859841600
• ISBN-13: 978-1859841600
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #581,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)