The notion of a Latin American culture in American anthropology and family studies: A conspiracy against diversity?

Abstract

This article examines the rise of the notion of a Latin American culturein American anthropology and how its application served to hide thediversity of family systems in the continent. To address this topic,I first refer to the antecedents of the concept of national cultures inthe anthropology of Franz Boas, the most important figure in theprofessionalization of the discipline in the United States and exponent ofthe use of the term “culture” to explain human differences. I next analyzethe role of the work of Robert Redfield and his proposals regardingacculturation in the transformation of anthropology from a disciplinelimited to the study of small, relatively homogeneous human groups,frequently described as “primitives” to broach complex societies. I touchbriefly upon how anthropology and the notion of culture were used inWorld War II, favoring proposals of national cultures. I then analyze howthis trend continued during the Cold War, stimulating the development ofthe concept of a Latin American culture with specific national varieties.Finally, I criticize these homogenizing tendencies by examining someexamples and point out the presence of family systems different fromthose assumed by the hegemonic culturalist models. I conclude with areflection on the problems with a culture concept of this type, notingthat excessive interest has been placed on ideas and less on practice,impeding recognition and explanation of practices diverging from thesupposed national cultures of Latin America.