Family
Structures
Comparison of differences in family structures between Portuguese
and U.S. majority cultures.
Portuguese
Culture |
American
Majority Culture |
|
Family is
the foundation of the Portuguese social structure. The
nuclear family has strong ties to the extended family,
which include cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, godparents
(padrinhos) and close friends. |
The family
unit is very diverse but, generally, it tends to be small
and nuclear. |
It is quite
common to find three generations living under the same
roof. Married children tend to live in a house or apartment
near the parents. |
Family members
such as the grandparents, parents, married children and
other relatives may live in different parts of the country. |
Children are
brought up as an integral part of the family unit and
are expected to contribute to the overall welfare of the
entire family. |
Children are
not expected to contribute to the welfare of the whole
family. |
Children are
indulged and welcomed. They participate in most adult
activities. |
Children have
separate activities from the adults. |
Adult children
are expected to live at home until marriage. |
Adult children
are encouraged to leave the nuclear family and become
independent before marriage. |
Family, kinship
and friendship play a major role in both social and business
interactions. |
Individualism
is encouraged. Self-reliance and independence is encouraged. |
Interpersonal
relationships are important. |
Merit is of
greater importance than interpersonal relationships in
business interactions. |
Placing elderly
relatives in nursing facilities is unusual. Grandparents
usually live with their children and may participate in
community activities for the elderly. |
It is common
practice to place frail elderly relatives in nursing facilities. |
|