. . . Latino or Hispanic families are quite matriarchal, if you hadn't noticed -- despite what we let the men believe. Hey, that's the way it goes. The men know it too, but we have to keep that illusion alive for them -- that there're the boss. Hey, I see that strikes a cord. Thank God, the men are applauding too.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Estefan describes the unspoken power dynamics within Latino families where women hold actual authority while men maintain an illusion of leadership.
- In plain terms
- Latino families often run on matriarchal lines, but men are allowed to believe they are in charge.
- What can you take from it?
- Family power dynamics can be complex and involve maintaining social illusions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How are decisions made in your family?
- What illusions exist in your household?
Another view
This generalization may not apply to all Latino families.
More from Gloria Estefan
Are you kidding me!
Permalink to quote #144 And we think the world would benefit from a much more feminine approach to the problems we are facing in the world today. Yes. The world needs to be nurtured a…
Permalink to quote #146 My home is my paradise. When I come home at night, I feel an overall peaceful sensation. We will never give this place up.
Permalink to quote #143
Related quotes
As the little boy said when asked if he wanted to be a lawyer like his mother, 'Oh no, that's women's work.' (Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions)
Gloria SteinemGloria Steinem quote #1 Were the destiny of woman thus exactly marked out, did she invariably retain the shelter of a parent's or guardian's roof till she married, did marriage give h…
Margaret FullerMargaret Fuller quote #9 Biologically and temperamentally, I believe women were made to be concerned first and foremost with child care, husband care and home care.
Benjamin SpockBenjamin Spock quote #12