Culture of Daily Life - Spanish 110
The Culture of Daily Life - Venezuela and Puerto Rico
John Galant
SPAN 110
September 23, 2013
Francisco Penafiel
The Culture of Daily Life - Venezuela and Puerto Rico
Family Structure
Puerto Ricans consider family life a core cultural value; family and relatives are looked upon as the most reliable form of support for the family. Although there is a high divorce rate many in the Puerto Rican culture would prefer to be in a monogamous marriage versus simply living together. When a person decides that they want to date another person, it is common for them to go on group outings to ensure the family that they will behave according to the strict guidelines set forth by the parents of the child. “Wedding ceremonies may be religious or secular but preferably include receptions for relatives and friends. Although remaining single is increasingly acceptable, marriage is an important marker of adulthood” (Cultural Research, 2013) Although the man of the house is considered to be the main bread-winner of the family, women are also considered to be important in the Puerto Rican culture as figure heads in the community and play a dual role within the household. “Working spouses who share household chores are becoming common, but socializing children is still predominantly a female role even among family-oriented men. Male authority is invoked and appealed to, but women's authority over many domains and activities is recognized” (Cultural Research, 2013) Religious Practices Prior to the occupation of the United States, Puerto Rico was a predominantly Catholic society. Although all major religious denominations are represented in the country, records show that Puerto Rico is currently about 30% practicing Protestants. People in the Puerto Rican culture, even if they are not practicing, consider themselves to be very religious people. They traditionally pray before each meal as a family and each
John Galant
SPAN 110
September 23, 2013
Francisco Penafiel
The Culture of Daily Life - Venezuela and Puerto Rico
Family Structure
Puerto Ricans consider family life a core cultural value; family and relatives are looked upon as the most reliable form of support for the family. Although there is a high divorce rate many in the Puerto Rican culture would prefer to be in a monogamous marriage versus simply living together. When a person decides that they want to date another person, it is common for them to go on group outings to ensure the family that they will behave according to the strict guidelines set forth by the parents of the child. “Wedding ceremonies may be religious or secular but preferably include receptions for relatives and friends. Although remaining single is increasingly acceptable, marriage is an important marker of adulthood” (Cultural Research, 2013) Although the man of the house is considered to be the main bread-winner of the family, women are also considered to be important in the Puerto Rican culture as figure heads in the community and play a dual role within the household. “Working spouses who share household chores are becoming common, but socializing children is still predominantly a female role even among family-oriented men. Male authority is invoked and appealed to, but women's authority over many domains and activities is recognized” (Cultural Research, 2013) Religious Practices Prior to the occupation of the United States, Puerto Rico was a predominantly Catholic society. Although all major religious denominations are represented in the country, records show that Puerto Rico is currently about 30% practicing Protestants. People in the Puerto Rican culture, even if they are not practicing, consider themselves to be very religious people. They traditionally pray before each meal as a family and each