Some basic facts about Brazilian Culture Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity. Many original Portuguese settlers married native women, which created a new race, called mestizos. Mulattoes are descendents of the Portuguese and African slaves. Slavery was abolished in 1888, creating over time a further blurring of racial lines. Unlike many other Latin American countries where there is a distinct Indian population, Brazilians have intermarried to the point that it sometimes seems that almost everyone has a combination of o European, African and indigenous ancestry. Brazilian Family Values The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people. Families tend to be large (although family size has been diminishing in recent years) and the extended family is quite close. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family. Nepotism is considered a positive thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance. The Brazilian Class System Despite the mixing of ethnicities, there is a class system in Brazil. Few Brazilians could be described as racist, although social discrimination on the basis of skin colour is a daily occurrence. In general, people with darker brown skin are economically and socially disadvantaged. The middle and upper classes often have only brief interaction with the lower classes - usually maids, drivers, etc. Class is determined by economic status and skin colour. There is a great disparity in wage differentials--and therefore lifestyle and social aspirations--among the different classes Although women make up 40% of the Brazilian workforce, they are typically found in lower paid jobs such as teaching, administrative support, and nursing. The 1988 constitution prohibits discrimination against women, but inequities still exist. The one place where women are achieving equality is in the government.
Posted on: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 09:47:23 +0000
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