Familism and Family Violence in Mexico

Course overview

This course explores the culture of familism and the potential relationship between familism and family violence. The course describes a qualitative research study, highlighting 50 interviews of people convicted of crimes in Mexico. Research shows that although the central role of family may very well produce positive outcomes, the culture of familism may also increase victimization. Using family stories, the course examines the impact of familism on victimization and identifies four main processes: a. preventing victims from disclosing family violence; b. preventing the family from denouncing the violence against one if its members, c. victims remaining with the family despite the abuse, and d. victims being forced to remain in abusive relationships.