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Machoism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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machoism

[məˈtʃoʊɪzəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

behavior

The quality of being very manly and showing a lack of sensitivity or consideration for others.

Examples of usage

  • He displayed his machoism by refusing to ask for help.
  • She was attracted to his machoism, mistaking it for confidence.
  • They equated machoism with strength, ignoring the emotional toll it took.
Context #2 | Noun

attitude

An attitude or way of behaving that is characterized by an exaggerated masculinity and a need to assert dominance.

Examples of usage

  • His machoism often led to conflicts with his colleagues.
  • She found his machoism off-putting, preferring a more balanced approach.
  • The culture of machoism in the military can be toxic.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • Films from the 1980s portrayed stereotypical macho characters, influencing men's behavior in society.
  • Machoism has been both glorified and criticized in music and art, reflecting changing attitudes toward masculinity.
  • Certain sports and activities are often associated with machoism, emphasizing competitiveness and physicality.

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that adherence to macho beliefs can lead to mental health issues, as emotional expression is often discouraged.
  • Research indicates that individuals with strong macho beliefs may struggle with relationship intimacy due to fear of vulnerability.
  • The socialization of boys into macho attitudes can impact their emotional development and interpersonal relationships.

Societal Perspectives

  • Machoism can be found in various cultures, impacting expectations of masculinity and male behavior across societies.
  • Feminist movements have challenged machoism by advocating for expressions of vulnerability and equality.
  • The rise of 'new masculinity' seeks to redefine machoism by blending strength with emotional openness.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore the conflicts between macho ideals and more sensitive aspects of male characters.
  • Authors like Manuel Puig have critiqued traditions of machoism in Latin American literature, highlighting its detrimental effects.
  • Modern novels may depict anti-hero protagonists who battle traditional macho expectations, opening dialogues about masculinity.

Origin of 'machoism'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'macho' comes from Spanish, meaning 'male' or 'masculine', while 'ism' denotes a belief or doctrine.
  • The concept of machoism gained popularity in the 1970s as a critique of traditional male gender roles.
  • In various languages, the equivalent terms often relate to ideas of strength, dominance, and masculinity.

The term 'machoism' originated from the Spanish word 'machismo', which refers to a strong or exaggerated sense of masculinity. It is often associated with traditional gender roles and stereotypes that emphasize male dominance and toughness. The concept of machoism has been widely debated and criticized for promoting toxic masculinity and harmful attitudes towards women and non-binary individuals.

See also: macho.