Lauren p asked:


I need help answering questions about short passage.

Esteban and Carmen O., a Salvadorian couple, sought help at a community mental health clinic in the Vancouver area. Mr. O. had recently come to Canada with only a high school education, but had already acquired several successful printing shops. Carmen, his wife, was born and raised in Florida and came to Canada recently. The two had a whirlwind courtship that resulted in a marriage after only a three-month acquaintance. She described her husband as being outspoken, confident, and a strong person who could be affectionate and sensitive. Carmen used the term “machismo” several times to describe Esteban. The couple had sought counseling after a series of rather heated arguments over his long work hours and his tendency to “go drinking with the boys” after work. She missed his companionship, which was constantly present during their courtship, but now seemed strangely absent. Carmen, who had graduated from UBC with a BA in business, had been working as a secretary and was on the verge of being promoted to an administrative assistant when she met Esteban. She resigned her position prior to her marriage, with the urging of Esteban who stated that “it was beneath her” and that he was capable of supporting both of them. Both had agreed to seek outside help with their marital difficulties, and they had been assigned to Dr. Carla B., a White woman psychologist. The initial session with the couple was characterized by Esteban doing most of the talking. Indeed, Dr. B. was quite put off by what she characterized as Esteban’s arrogant attitude. He frequently spoke for this wife and interrupted Dr. B. often, not allowing her to finish questions or make comments. Esteban stated that he understood his wife’s desire to spend more time with him, but that he needed to seek financial security for “my children.” While the couple did not have any children at the present time, it was obvious that Esteban expected to have many with his wife. He jokingly stated, “After three or four boys, she won’t have time to miss me.” It was obvious that his remark had a strong impact on Carmen as she appeared quite surprised. Dr. B., who during this session had been trying to give Carmen an opportunity to express her thoughts and feelings, seized the opportunity. She asked Carmen how she felt about having children. As Carmen began to answer, Esteban blurted out quickly, “Of course, she wants children. All women want children.”

At this point Dr. B. (obviously angry) confronted Esteban about his tendency to answer or speak for this wife and the inconsiderate manner in which he kept interrupting everyone. Why aren’t you at home caring for your husband? What you need is a real man.” While Dr. B. did not fall for what she considered to be a baiting tactic she was, nevertheless, quite angry. The session was terminated shortly thereafter. During the next few weeks, Carmen came alone to the sessions without her husband, who refused to return. Their sessions consisted of dealing with Esteban’s sexist attitude and the ways she could be her “own person.” Dr. B. stressed the fact that Carmen had an equal right in the decisions made in the home, that she should not allow anyone to oppress her, that she did not need her husband’s approval to return to her former job, and that having children was an equal and joint responsibility. During this period, the couple separated from one another. It was a difficult period for Carmen who came for therapy regularly to talk about her need “to be my own person,” a phrase used often by Dr. B. Carmen and Esteban finally divorced after only a year of marriage.

Questions:

1. What egalitarian attitude held by the therapist may be in conflict with Salvadorian values concerning male-female relationships and the division of responsibilities in the household? Are these values sexist?

2. Is it right to impose one’s values and beliefs upon a culturally different group no matter how strongly we believe in them (women should have equal rights and not be oppressed)?

3. How might the gender of the counselor affect his/her credibility when working with culturally different clients? In this case, what Salvadorian cultural values might make it difficult for Esteban to see a White female psychologist?

4. What does the concept “machismo” mean?

5. If you were the counselor, what course of action would you take? Why?

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