Entre Madres y Comadres: Trans Latina Immigrants Empowering Women Beyond Marianismo

Abstract

When social workers discuss the lives of Latinx individuals, it is often in the context of cultural values such as marianismo. Marianismo is linked to Catholicism and patriarchal values that reinforce traditional gender scripts for women. Although Latina feminists have challenged these values for decades, it continues to be paramount that social workers deepen their understanding of the lives of Chicanas and Latinas through critical theories. From this perspective, mujeristas and Chicana feminists who emphasize liberative work often use the term comadres, or comothers, to explore Latinas’ roles and relationships. The distinction between the traditional motherly role of marianismo and the collaborative and empowering role of comadres was evident in our feminist-informed study about the lived experiences of trans Latina immigrants who are activists and agents of change in their Southern U.S. communities. Our goal as Latina feminists is to include these women in the theoretical conversation as their experiences allowed us to expand our knowledge of these concepts. By reconceptualizing the mutually supportive role of Latinas in their communities, trans Latina immigrants and Latina feminists encourage us to see Latinas beyond the traditional and stereotypical gender script of marianismo.