Chapter 7: Latino Males, Gender Socialization, and Disparities

In 2020, over 62.1 million people identified as Latinx¹ or Hispanic, with 30.5 million identifying as a Latino or Hispanic man (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). This diverse population accounts for the largest ethnic minority population in the United States, which researchers are predicting will account for 28.6% of the population—or 119 million people—by 2060 (Velasco-Mondragon et al., 2016). This chapter will, therefore, provide insight on the educational, physical, and mental health disparities faced by the rising population of Latino men. We will also describe how gender socialization and cultural factors influence how Latino men navigate their personal and social environments. By providing a perspective to the challenges faced by Latino men, only then are we able to conduct the necessary work needed to empower members of this community.