Latino Men's Perceptions of Gender, Power, and Culture in Reproductive Health

M. Catherine Maternowska, University of California, San Francisco
Amy Godecker, University of California, San Francisco

This paper analyzes in-depth interviews of male immigrants of Mexican origin, examining barriers to utilization of family planning services provided by the State of California. The study focuses on issues of gender, power, and culture and how these structural forces affect men’s access to services and their reproductive outcomes. In addition to migration histories and current economic conditions, interviews address gender roles and expectations, decision-making and negotiation regarding family planning and sexual relationships, and acceptability of non-monogamous relationships (including the use of sex camps by migrant workers). Cultural aspects such as the acceptability of using birth control, reasons for wanting or not wanting children, perceptions of modern methods of family planning, and constraints on women’s sexual activity are also addressed. Finally, interviews explore men’s perceptions of institutionalized reproductive health services, such as fear of deportation if services are utilized, interactions with doctors and clinic staff, and cultural perspectives on medicine.