Identity & Gender Roles in Italy

3 Identities for me: Asian, Christian, Woman

Identity is what us who we are. It's how others see us, how we view ourselves, how we fit into society's demographics. Being a woman is more than just happening to be born female. It's how society looks at us - our salary potential, our ability to travel independently, right down to the Disney princess we should dress up as for Halloween.

Introspectively, my identity as a Christian would be the strongest. I'm really curious to find out what Italians' attitudes are towards God and Christianity, and how that influences their culture! Being an Asian American has made me more aware of different cultures and diversity as I was growing up. It's put me in situations that make me reconsider the correctness of affirmative action. I think our identities expand as we continue on in life. Things we experience add on to shape us and determine who we are as a person.

In a study abroad context in Italy, I think identities continue to develop and we get a greater sense of who we are in this great big world. 

Steps I plan on taking to minimize culture shock:

1. Discomfort or stress is natural when experiencing a different culture.
2. Look for reasons behind the culture patterns -- how does the pattern fit into their culture?
3. Be flexible -- adapt easily to new norms and changes.
4. Travel in the spirit of humility -- you are a guest in their country.
5. Observe and reflect on your experiences for greater understanding.

Food for thought - will those who have grown up exposed to different cultures (like me, being an Asian American) experience culture shock differently? Or cope better?

{For women traveling to Italy…

Europe in general appears to be more conservative and less casual in their dress. When visiting churches especially, women should not wear strapless tops or skirts/shorts above the knee. Italians also do not wear sneakers as much as we do -- not surprisingly, considering their cultural emphasis on fashion.

Gender roles still seem to be traditionally grounded. Unwritten rules about gender roles are important to note - direct eye contact or a smile is usually interpreted as more than just being friendly and as an open invitation. Americans tend to be more bold in our behavior -- I mean, we did have the feminist movement. In general, flirtation is interpreted much more easily in Italy than it would be here.

Some tips and differences for women would be to act confidently and behave like the native women. Coming across as a foreigner or tourist might automatically bring a different attitude altogether.}