Abstract
This ethnographic study explores two Dominican-owned Latinx barbershops in Tacoma, Washington, as cultural hubs for the Dominican and Latinx diaspora. Beyond grooming, these barbershops serve as vibrant spaces where cultural identity, community, and masculinity are performed and reimagined. The sounds of bachata, the aroma of home-cooked meals, and rapid Spanish conversations create an atmosphere that connects clients to their roots while supporting their adaptation to life in the Pacific Northwest. Grounded in Critical Interpretivist theory and literature on ethnic enclaves, the study examines how these spaces foster belonging and cultural continuity for marginalized communities. The barbershops function as transnational spaces, blending traditions and cultural symbols to help Dominican and Latinx men navigate their identities amid migration challenges. These sites of resilience provide a sense of home, bridging their heritage with new realities. A key focus is how the barbershops shape Latinx masculinities. Barbers and clients engage in social rituals and conversations that reflect traditional Dominican ideals of masculinity while adapting to U.S. norms. This negotiation results in fluid masculinities rooted in both their Dominican heritage and their experiences in the U.S. Using interviews and field observations with twelve barbers, primarily Dominican, the study highlights their role as transnational links, maintaining ties to their homeland through travel, digital communication, and cultural practices. The research underscores the significance of Latinx barbershops as spaces of identity, resilience, and belonging, celebrating their role in sustaining cultural heritage and adaptability within the Latinx community in the U.S.
Presenters
Emmiyan Ferro DiazStudent, American Studies and Culture, Washington State University, Washington, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Latinx Masculinities, Transnationalism, Gender, Latino men, Barbershops
