The hidalgo Spanish ethnopsychology (character) is discussed in
Therivel's GAM/DP Theory of Personality and Creativity.

Spanish Ethnopsychology

The Spaniards as UP Hidalgos

The above is the title of chapter 6 of volume 2 of William A. Therivel's The GAM/DP Theory of Personality and Creativity (G stands for genetic endowment, A for assistances of youth, M for misfortunes of youth, DP for division of power, UP for unity of power). For an introduction to the GAM part of the theory click "Introduction to GAM"; for an introduction to the DP part click on "Introduction to DP".
In this website, the reader is also offered a shortcut: The GAM/DP Synopsis and an expanded version, The GAM/DP Summary of volumes 1 through 4.

Hereafter I report the table of contents and the first part of the introduction of this long chapter.

This chapter is divided into the following sections:

     1. Introduction
     2. Causes
     3. Honor, Honra, Pride, Linaje, Hyperindividualism
     4. Envy
     5. The UP Hidalgo King Philip II
     6. No Feudalism, No Renaissance, No Bourgeoisie in Spain
     7. Hyperindividualism Revisited
     8. Comments

Introduction
     This chapter is also an applied one, devoted to a UP interpretation of a limited number of evolving aspects of the Spanish ethnopsychology (leaving aside regional differences). Within the confines of this interpretation, the Spaniards are seen as UP hidalgos, in which the modifier UP is there as a constant reminder that I will discuss only those aspects of the Spanish ethnopsychology that I see relating both to Spain's unique history and to the impact on its people of the unity of power of its kings, noblemen, and churchmen. As with the preceding chapter, on the French as UP Neo-Romans, what I will say is in part universal (the long-term negative impact of the unity of power) and in part specific: specific to Spain and its history.