With a fuller understanding of machismo , social workers may help clients develop strong, caring machismo that benefits the whole family. The flip side of male dominance would apparently be female submissiveness. It is true that in many Hispanic families, as in the families of most cultures, women are expected to defer to their male partners. While this may be frustrating to those who find such gender roles to be outdated, it can be a strength. Hispanic women often maintain relationships with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and godparents.
Hispanic women are often in the best position to utilize that resource.
The family is at the center of Hispanic life. The tendency of Hispanics to maintain close ties with extended families has sometimes even been the source of jokes and racist stereotypes. This extended network can be an excellent resource that social workers can help clients draw on, especially when other resources are unavailable. This is not to say that having a large family won't present difficulties for some clients. As family-centered practitioners, we should help Hispanic clients maintain their traditional family systems, even in the face of great obstacles.