Machismo

Machismo is a set of beliefs, attitudes and practices that promote the superiority of men over women, perpetuating gender-based inequalities and discrimination. It manifests itself in various forms, ranging from everyday microaggressions to physical violence, and has a negative impact on women’s lives in all spheres.

Although the roots of machismo stretch back to antiquity, its consolidation as an ideological system can be traced back to patriarchal societies, where authority and power were concentrated in the male figure. This system was perpetuated through social, cultural and religious institutions, which reinforced stereotypical gender roles and limited women’s opportunities.

The first references to machismo as a clearly defined concept emerged in the context of the feminist movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. These social struggles brought to light the power structures that kept women in a position of subordination, denouncing sexist practices as a form of systematic oppression.