Guatemala--Culture Smart! by Lisa Vaughn

Author:Lisa Vaughn [Vaughn, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-85733-582-8
Publisher: Kuperard
Published: 2010-09-28T00:00:00+00:00

Traditionally, Ladino families have been medium to large in size, perhaps with four to six children, and possibly with extra children of relatives, or an ailing grandparent, living within a household. Today, Ladino couples typically have two children simply because of economic constraints.

Within the Mayan culture, families are usually large and life is extremely traditional. Men wield authority in Mayan villages, and women are expected to run the home. Daily life revolves around the men tending the cornfields (milpas) and vegetable gardens while the women stay at home cooking, weaving, and looking after the children. Mayan women, however, do travel with children in tow to out-of-town markets to sell handicrafts, textiles, surplus vegetables, and fruits, and to trade for needed supplies.

Many Mayan women serve as domesticas (housekeepers) for Ladino families, even if the Ladino family is not wealthy. Some domesticas are provided with room and board for the week and may travel to their villages on the weekends. Others, with husbands and children of their own, may travel back and forth daily. These women cook and clean, and sometimes look after their employers’ children. Overall, the domesticas are treated well by the Ladino families, although they are still viewed as inferior.

Traditional Guatemalan families are hierarchical, with special deference given to the elderly, parents, and men. The Guatemalan father is an authority figure and the mother is expected to be self-sacrificing for the family and obedient to her husband. Domestic violence is very common in Guatemala, with estimates as high as 90 percent. Generally, domestic violence is viewed by both men and women as an acceptable means of asserting male control within the household.

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