Gender perspective in the comprehension of indigenous masculinity and survival in México.

Abstract

This paper proposes a theoretical framework to guide the understanding of the patriarchal and heterosexist nuances of indigenous masculinities in México and Latin America, whose contexts are survival and reproduction in marginalized conditions. It begins by reflecting upon some of the contributions made by gender and masculinity studies, and feminist academia in general, that emphasize the gender perspective. It discusses the importance of addressing the existing relationship between ethnicity and gender in order to understand historical processes that intervene in the construction of the contemporary indigenous subject. It also suggests the need to overcome the discourse of gender duality in favor of ascertaining the existence of gender diversity, albeit made invisible and repressed by the validity of symbolic systems which evidence particularities of indigenous hegemonic masculinity and masculine domination. The paper concludes that the interpretation of indigenous masculinity requires being studied in terms of its original meanings and practices, its resistances and alliances with western socializations, and its consequences for indigenous survival and reproduction, characterized by its affectation on women, men and other repressed gender identities, in addition to noting its transcendence for the environment.