The Maria Paradox

by Rosa María Gil, Carmen Inoa Vázquez, Rosa María Gil

Explains how Hispanic women can integrate Latin cultural traditions with a North American way of life to balance career and family demands, find help with emotional problems, stand up for one's feelings and rights, and enhance self-esteem.

Genres: Personal Development

273 pages, Hardcover

First published April 16, 1996

Reviews

[Jenandbaby99]

this is a fantastic book to read about if you want to understand the hardships a woman faces in trying to live two worlds, the one she is born in and the one she is raised with.

[Anais · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I think the Rosa María Gil y Carmen I Vazquez did an amazing job at explaining the Latinx culture when it comes to gender roles. I appreciate the detailed examples that went along with each marianismo commandments. As I studied and am a psychologist some of the information for me personally was repetitive but felt validating within itself to help my imposter syndrome and own marianista views. I would recommend this book to any Latinx that is trying to break those generational cycles and healing from past family traumas.

[Carolyn Kost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book to give to any young Latina. It is available in Spanish and in English. It discusses many of the ways that young latinas (and many others of us from Old World families) are emotionally held in thrall to the needs of the family, and more importantly, how to escape and build our personalities and independence, even as we value the connections. It's a way to transform the iron chains into daisy chains.

[Leydiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. The book is filled with anecdotes of real situations that latinas have to face when dealing with cultural traditions of US and latin america.

[Aracely P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Latina needs to read this. I still have my original book. Although this book is now old and weathered because I read it so much I will give it to my daughter one day.

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easily digestible approach to some common themes in psychotherapy with Hispanic women, framed as a self-help book.

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

great if you work with latina population.

[Margret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and brilliant. It shows the Latinas culture, how to love themselves, and how to accomplish their dreams.

[Matt Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good reading. Even though this book is geared towards women of Latin/Hispanic heritage and upbringing I beleive that anyone (including men) should read this book because it helps us to ubnderstand how to be ourselves without giving up our upbringing and cultural inheiritance. While I am reading this book for a Anthropology class this book is absolutely a blessing.

[Michelle J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books helps bridge an understanding of the typical dilemma Latina women face with the concept of Identity with the term "Latina" in the United States whether one is first, second or even third generation. Not only in Latina culture does this book help one realize "Love yourself for what you are",being a mother, wife, daughter and daughter-in-law, as it resonates for all woman no matter what culture, creed or background.