Glossary
Abrazos
Spanish for 'hugs' or 'embraces', a common and important form of greeting and showing affection in Hispanic cultures. [7, 29, 38, 43, 44]
Example:
Upon arriving at the family reunion, everyone exchanged warm abrazos and laughter.
Apretón de manos
Spanish for 'handshake', a common greeting, especially in formal or business settings, or among men in some regions. [12, 28, 41, 42, 45]
Example:
The business deal was sealed with a firm apretón de manos between the two executives.
Besitos
Spanish for 'little kisses', referring to the common greeting of touching cheeks and making a kissing sound, especially among family and friends in many Spanish-speaking regions. [6, 27, 32, 36, 40]
Example:
In Spain, it's customary to greet friends with two besitos on the cheek, one on each side.
Espiritual
Pertains to family life that frequently involves rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations with a religious or sacred dimension. [3, 16, 34, 35]
Example:
Their family life was deeply espiritual, marked by daily prayers and special ceremonies for important life events.
Estructurado
Refers to a highly structured social or family system with strict hierarchies and order, considered vital for the proper functioning and survival of the family and community. [2, 46, 47, 48, 49]
Example:
The ancient civilization had a highly estructurado society, with clear social classes and roles for every citizen.
Extendido
Refers to an extended family structure where two, three, or more nuclear families live together in one house or in close proximity, forming a larger household unit.
Example:
During the holidays, our extendido family gathers at Grandma's house, with aunts, uncles, and cousins all under one roof.
Familismo
A central Hispanic cultural value emphasizing a strong sense of dedication, commitment, and loyalty to both nuclear and extended family, often prioritizing family needs over individual ones. [10, 14, 17, 20, 33]
Example:
Despite receiving a job offer in another city, her strong sense of familismo led her to stay close to her aging parents.
Machismo
A sociocultural concept, primarily associated with Latino cultures, characterized by an exaggerated pride in masculinity, often involving dominance, aggression, and sometimes leading to abuse or a disregard for consequences. [1, 13, 21, 25, 37]
Example:
The character's insistence on making all decisions without consulting his wife, coupled with his aggressive demeanor, was a clear display of machismo.
Marianismo
A Hispanic term describing an ideal of true femininity, inspired by the Virgin Mary, emphasizing virtues like nurturance, self-sacrifice, purity, and submissiveness, often positioning women as spiritual pillars of the family. [1, 8, 15, 23, 25, 26]
Example:
The mother's unwavering devotion to her children and her willingness to sacrifice her own desires for their well-being embodied the ideal of marianismo.
Organizado
Describes a family or community where everyone has a defined role and responsibilities, often with specific tasks taught by gender (e.g., men teaching boys, women teaching girls).
Example:
The household was very organizado; each child had their chores, contributing to the smooth running of daily life.
Patriarchal
A family or social structure where the father or eldest male is the head of the household and holds primary authority, making decisions and controlling resources. [4, 9, 11, 19, 24]
Example:
In a patriarchal society, the eldest son often inherits the family's land and title, signifying the male head's authority.
Patrilineal
A kinship system where an individual's family membership, descent, and inheritance are traced exclusively through the father's lineage. [5, 18, 22, 30, 31]
Example:
The passing down of the family surname from father to son is a common practice in a patrilineal system.