INTRODUCTION
For decades, Latin America’s rates of childbirth has increased compared to other states. The country has a birthrate of 2.96, which is higher than that of other states. Family planning in this region faces resistance from catholic solid ideals. A Latin-American male aged 20 having2-3 children is considered an appropriate family size (Smith & Boas, 2020). This perspective is believed to have originated from the community’s poverty levels. The majority of the people viewed children as a source of wealth.
Moreover, due to the high cases of parenthood and single motherhood in Latin America (Smith & Boas, 2020), Males view family planning as one form of birth control, which ultimately also allows them to control their finances. In Latin America, 20-year-old males often use combined oral contraceptives and progestogen-only pills. With a total population of 666,99,610 people, the region has more women than Men (Smith & Boas, 2020). For instance, women make up 2.96% of the overall population, with 583,705 more than males. Despite its high population, Latin America experiences low fertility rates. For instance, in 2022, the fertility rate of age 30 was 1.85 (Smith & Boas, 2020). This indicates that despite the resistance to the religious influence on Latin American families, many people have opted for contraceptives and patches as one of the ways to reduce poverty and enhance healthcare among families.
This research seeks to answer the question: “What are the perspectives of Latino men aged 20 on family planning methods?” Understanding these perspectives will help shed light on the connection between family planning and economic survival. To carry out this research, I will conduct interviews, essay questionnaires, and case studies to gather data. Additionally, the analysis uses interviews, case studies, and peer-reviewed articles to analyze and evaluate the results. The results showed that the majority of Latino males prefer combined oral contraceptives as a method of family planning. After comparing my research with other peer reviews, the results showed that the young generation widely accepted modern contraceptive methods.
RESEARCH METHODS
This research relied on in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore the perceptions of reproductive rights and autonomy in family planning among Latino men in their 20s living in New York City. I carefully selected a group of three Latino men between the ages of 23 and 28, all of whom identified as Catholic.
. I chose Latino men in their 20s as the primary focus for this study because most Latino men around this age have a child or are planning to start a family. I recruited research participants using online media such as Twitter and Facebook. Having these established relationships as long-time friends with potential participants played a crucial role in identifying individuals who met the specific criteria. This personal approach allowed me to create a comfortable and trusting environment for each interview, promoting open-ended discussions concerning the delicate subject of male reproductive rights and family planning. The semi-structured interviews were designed to provide insight into the personal narratives of Latino men in their 20s, exploring their perceptions of male reproduction in family planning. Participants were asked about insecurity or doubts they may have encountered regarding their reproductive rights, focusing on the impact of family views to aid with a picture of the gender status of participants. Some of the questions asked of participants were: Where did the idea of starting a family at an early age come from? What are the social-cultural attributes that led to this decision? Which family planning methods do they prefer more and why?
ANALYSIS
Role Models
The first theme I projected during my interviews with Latino men in their twenties centers around the influence of parental role models. My interviewees described their parents’ impact as significant sources of inspiration and role model status in family planning. The interviewees also discussed how their parents’ decisions had a lasting effect on their views on male reproductive rights. These role models were depicted as strong, responsible, and brave. Frequently, the most represented role models are single mothers, although some fathers were also mentioned. The interviewees also discussed how their reproductive health was a common issue among Latin Americans, which had been attributed to high cases of poverty in the region. For example, one of the interviewees, Joseph, explained:
I look up to my mom; she has taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of being a responsible role model, especially in parenting. I learned essential life skills from her, such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a stable life. She made me realize that sometimes a family does not need both parents to have a sound plan for parenthood. However, there are moments when it can be difficult. The one thing she did influence me on, and I keep with me till this day, is to make sure you are financially stable and always plan. As a Latino male raised in a single household, I should use my male reproductive rights responsibly, especially when it comes to family planning.
Joseph’s description of a courageous mother is another example of a parental role model.
My mother has been a single mother since I was born; she would take me with her to her workplace every weekend just because she did not believe in childcare for her kids. I was about 6 through 11 years old, seeing my mom work in healthcare. This gave me good exposure to healthcare information that significantly impacted my understanding. Many means might not have access to this information. She mentioned that being stable and getting a degree is essential in this society because it took work in the 60s and 70s to access school. She agrees that as a male individual, I also must accept the responsibility that comes with that, and because of this, I decided that when my time comes, I will have more kids—no Rush.
Interviewees frequently highlighted words such as “optimistic,” “cautious,” and “compassionate” When they spoke about their mothers. Although the interviewees had been exposed to various family planning methods, they highlighted that some required much caution when using them. Both quotes underscore the men’s views of their mothers as role models who were important in shaping their choices concerning having children.
Religion
A second theme that emerged during the interviews was the emphasis on religion. The participants identified religion as vital to understanding the world and the motivations of others. Culture is thus an essential factor to consider when interpreting choices to make life decisions during family planning. For instance, over the decades, Latin Americans were faced with poverty issues and restrictions in enrolling in schools, which gave them much time to idle around. If an individual finds themselves in a family where they believe a male should settle at the age of 20, then this would greatly influence their decision. My interviewees were all raised in Catholic households, where they believe that it is a sin to have kids before marriage. Here is one example: AJ, one of my interviewees, stated:
My upbringing has been one of the best ones to describe because I have both my parents united. They taught me that attending church every Sunday is of Catholic beliefs and sacred because it would allow me to use my voice as a man and learn what a man should do right. I follow my thoughts; at 24 years old, I was told that having kids before marriage is not a wise move since many people find that to be a sin. At first, I did not understand what all that was about until I had my first child at 19, and I understood it when I saw my parents’ reaction to finding out that their youngest child would be a father with no experience. My parents were so disappointed because they felt the right decision would have been to get married and start having my children. I never plan to have children at a young age, but it is the most rewarding blessing ever. As of this day, they do not like the idea, but they accepted my decision, which is why when I have my three children, I can finally be married and go back to remember this experience that came into my life. Even though I had kids before marriage, the Catholic religion states that God blesses all pregnancies; therefore, even if I had kids after marriage, it would not have made that much of a difference.
John’s description of a similar example of a religious theme
My cultural background consists of much dedication because I am considered Catholic. Catholic means that we believe in God and that God is only. I was always told that it is good to pray every night when it is time for bedtime. I remember always praying to God so I could have my kids and see them become young adults soon. It is a blessing, responsibility, and important to be aware of my male rights and when I feel comfortable to go out into the world and have kids. My mother told me it takes much courage to have kids, even when they come when you least expect it. It was also said that a father who raises you is more than the father who created you. That was interesting to grow up with since that was my situation. This is an example that I can show my kids that they can also accept their beliefs and follow them without any problems. I love being a man with a different cultural perspective.
In these two quotes, my interviewees introduce me to their cultural beliefs. Phrases like blessing, essential, and rewarding appear to be mentioned in the quotes by the interviewees. These phrases aid in understanding the cultural beliefs of the young Man. This helped in understanding the source of their perspectives on family planning methods. Both my interviewees’ quotes can share how their ideas have made them reflect on decisions that can suit their male rights. To them, this is something to consider because that is the values and respect they were raised with. They want others to see how their own beliefs can make a good impact on men who are not accepted with opposing opinions just because some had kids at an early age and some did not want to. Most parents believe that having children in their 20s is better than having in their 30s because it makes them more responsible at a young age, thus managing their funds more effectively. AJ’s description was more straightforward in saying that it is not so bad for men to have children very young; John said that “beliefs” are what we grow up with, and we are given a chance to decide what we want.
Gender Roles
The last theme in my analysis is gender roles. In all my interviews, the men emphasized how important it is for both partners to be present when deciding which family planning method to take. Moreover, it was clear that both genders are equally important to society, especially for the child’s needs. This contributes much to the mental and parenthood of both partners. For example, AJ emphasized:
There should be equal power when deciding when to have a child with your partner. The decision should be equally made. Both males and females should communicate and listen to each other’s feelings, wants, and needs when deciding to have a child and when they are ready to make that happen. There are many factors to consider, such as financial stability, emotional readiness, relationship stability, career or education, age, and health. Regarding family planning, the Man and the woman must have a mutual dynamic within the relationship. It is essential to have a profound love for one another and trust and communication to handle the challenges of parenthood together as a team.
John describes another example of gender roles, stating.
Regarding family planning, there is not necessarily a balance of power but rather a focus on achieving what is best for the woman in the relationship. As a man, I deeply respect a woman’s decisions and believe it is important to follow her lead. I am open to providing small inputs, such as getting a second job, learning how to cook, or making necessary sacrifices for our family if she believes that is best for our child and us. Women, by nature, often have a unique nurturing ability and a deep understanding of what is best for their children. As a man, we also have an instinct to be providers and protectors, but this does not have to be a toxic or overly dominant way. Instead, it means being capable of providing for the family and ensuring their well-being, regardless of gender roles.
The above interviews from these two quotes focus their attention on their gender roles as male reproductive rights in family planning. Words like “equal power,” “team,” and “protectors” were spoken briefly in the transcript continually, meaning that the gender roles had a deeper meaning for them, thus influencing their perspective on starting a family in their 20s. AJ was reliable in stating that both genders need to work as a team to make family planning important to children’s lives; John’s similarity is much more like being a protector to ensure the well-being of the family as a male figure in the family.
Lastly, John was forthcoming with using equal power as a statement because he feels like more information and understanding of the gender roles and family planning methods would prepare them to become better parents. This influences the men’s perspective on family planning, thus adding to the validity of the research.
COMPARISON TO PRIOR RESEARCH
The article that related much to my research was Andras Lang’s article on Perceived Childhood Emotional Parentification is Associated with Machiavellianism in Men but not in Women, published in 2016. The paper investigated the possible connection between perceived parenthood in the household and adult Machiavellianism. In this section, the author examined the significance of providing care, the disregard for kids’ developmental requirements, and kids’ omnipresent emotions of uncertainty. The author took surveys of 395 adults (282 women) and did a complete self-report to determine the level of parentification and Machiavellianism (Láng, 2016). This research reviewed that “emotional parentification and children’s unacknowledged efforts to contribute to the well-being of the families were associated with (Machiavellianism Lang, 2016). Emotional parentification is when a child takes on the role of providing emotional support to a parent. This influences my research because, based on the findings, the majority of the people interviewed reviewed have provided care for their younger siblings. The effects of this on family planning methods is that young men view having 2-3 children would aid the parents with understating the emotional needs of their children. However, while my research focuses more on Latino males’ perspectives on family planning, the article dives deeper into parentification, making it a great comparison with what I found.
Additionally, young males in Latin America opt for modern contraceptives. This has a need linked with the desire to have a small family. In Andras’ (2016) article, he conducted samples on 395 Hungarian adults, of whom 283 were women, and they gave a self-reported questionnaire. The average age of the participants was 30.02%, giving it more precise data as this was the pick of many young individuals entering into family life. The scare of this research was administered online using SurveyMonkey. This study showed that men were more characterized by Machiavellianism (a personal trait that involves manipulating others to achieve one own goals).
In contrast, women were more characterized by parentification (a feature of looking after someone’s emotional needs). That said, the author used a personal correlation between Machiavellianism and parentification to evaluate the finding effectively. For instance, based on Andra’s results, there were weak but significant positive correlations between Machiavellianism, perceived parental unfairness, and expressive parentification for men. The result reviewed a low influence on women compared to me, thus giving a valid effect for my study.
Differences
In the research I carried out, the study reviewed that in Latin America, young men tend to break the stigma in the region surrounding reproductive health due to a high level of family planning awareness, unlike Adras’s article, which highlights that women are more educated on matters of family planning than men (Láng, 2016). This enhances our understanding of family planning as it is evidence that despite the urge to maintain a small family, males are also influenced by their parenthood. Moreover, navigating cultural expectations among Latino men aged 20 may experience some resistance due to traditional gender roles, unlike Hungarian adults (Láng, 2016). This finding confirms that the cultural values of a society influence the decision on which contraceptive method to use. Additionally, due to the high number of personal choices and autonomy, Latino men have diverse perspectives on their private reproductive rights, unlike in Hungary. Based on the traditional roles and gender ethnicity, in Hangarly, some families have limited ideas on contraceptives while, at the same time, others prioritize the anatomy of their partner. Unlike in Hungary, male rights in Latin America are perceived to be superior to women regarding issues with the social-cultural activity of the society. That said, most young men in America tend to make decisions on family planning for their families.
Similarities
In both types of research, young men thrive to be supportive partners. For instance, regarding family planning, both research supports the idea that partners should be involved in making decisions. Moreover, regarding the methods of contraceptives, the findings of both research reviews show that there is a need for more awareness of family planning education. This helps families determine which way is healthy according to them. High family planning awareness among the group enhances a family’s health standard as they can plan their finances more effectively, thus eradicating poverty.
Moreover, my findings affirm that there is advocacy for equitable access In Latin America (Smith & Boas, 2020). Based on Andras’s article, women are portrayed to have relatively significant duties in the parenthood of their children when their fathers are not around. This is evident in John’s description of gender roles in society.
Moreover, due to the social-cultural background in New York, the majority of Latino Men become responsible at an early age. In both, Men are actively involved in promoting responsive sexual behavior. This has enhanced collaboration with other organizations that foster reproductive health care development. This has led to a decline in birth rates among men aged 20. The fertility rates have declined as the majority of young people have relied much on contraceptives, which, at times, when not well monitored, interfere with the women’s health state.
Conclusion
In this paper, I aimed to determine the perspective of Latino males aged 20 on which they prefer for family planning. They sought to address the issue of a high decline in fatality rates among the young generation. I used personal testimonies from Latino males and peer-reviewed articles to study the data more effectively. This aimed to gain a deep understanding of the finding, thus enhancing my Interpretation. Based on the results I found, it was clear that Latino males opted for modern contraceptives such as oral contraceptives, male and female condoms, patches, intrauterine devices, and implants (Láng, 2016). Moreover, the study adds to our knowledge based on the comparison to the prior review. Even though family planning is good for regulating birth rates, it is high time we seek to understand the reasons behind the catholic church’s resistance to family planning.
The finding of this research is limited to the number of individuals interviewed and their honesty while answering the questionaries. Moreover, due to insufficient resources, few questions were printed, which led to a group of individuals sharing a single questionnaire, thus interfering with each other’s openness on the issue and due to personal conflict and bias (Biroli, 2020). This influences the sample size we conducted. However, time constraints made multitasking between classwork and gathering data challenging. Provided that there were fewer limitations, the research would have provided more vivid findings explaining the effects of family planning among Latino men aged 20. If I were to do this again, I would major more on the broader sample of data, giving a better picture of the family planning perspective in this community.
Based on the above illustrations, my findings are hopeful because they align with Andre’s peer review. The results review the perspective of Latino males is that with 2-3 children, a family is enough, which has contributed to a decline in fatality rates in the region. The population will continuously decline if some family planning methods are poorly moderated.
References
Láng, A. (2016). Perceived childhood emotional parentification is associated with Machiavellianism in men but not women—Polish Psychological Bulletin, (1).
Biroli, F. (2020, April). The backlash against gender equality in Latin America: Temporality, Religious Patterns, and the erosion of Democracy. In Lasa Forum (Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 22-26).
Smith, A. E., & Boas, T. C. (2020, August). Religion, sexuality politics, and the transformation of Latin American electorates. In Presentado en Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association, September (pp. 10–13).
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