Pain and Masculinity: A Cohort Comparison between Mexican American Vietnam and Post–9/11 Combat Veterans

Abstract

Using twenty-six interviews with Mexican American veterans, this study analyzes cohort effects between Vietnam War veterans to Iraq and/or Afghanistan veterans on the meanings and experiences of pain from combat, masculinity, and how ethnicity affects expressions of pain. Although there were relative similarities between the cohorts, differences arose because of age. Vietnam veterans understood their pain to be long-lasting and have built coping mechanisms around a lifetime of pain, as opposed to younger veterans who have not yet solidified coping strategies. Machismo plays a dynamic part in the expression and daily experience with pain for young veterans, as opposed to older veterans who enjoy relaxed gendered obligations based on their age. Finally, older veterans used family as a base of social support, as opposed to younger veterans who found support from peer-mentor programs. In addition, respondents indicated that machismo acted more as guiding principle and offered them motivations to seek help, and not necessarily barriers to health. Overall, both cohorts are governed by strict gender standards and expressions influenced by their ethnic identity. Findings suggest that the study of race/ethnicity and age plays a fundamental framework from which to understand the experiences and behaviors of pain.