Culture Report on Italy

[Source 1, Source 2]

Culture refers to a variety of aspect: family, community, celebrations, as well as other more subtle factors. Italians are very family-oriented and form bonds easily.

The arts have always been significant and influential in Italian culture – hence, why I am studying abroad here. The country has a preoccupation with painting, sculpture, and especially architecture. The emphasis on art extends to fashion, which is a key aspect of Italian culture – especially in the upper class. In hearing about others’ experiences, how you dress can really make a difference in how you are treated in public. I think this is true all around, wherever you may be. In terms of food, some common dishes are pasta, pizza, tiramisu, and gelato. Italy is also one of the world’s largest producers of wine and coffee.

In regards to food culture, Italians do not emphasize breakfast as the biggest meal of the day. Usually a croissant and an espresso is sufficient. Meals are consisted of starters (antipasto), pasta or rice dish (primo) and then the main meal (secondo). Following that are cheese and breads. Last is a dessert (dolce) and an espresso. Italians generally do eat lunch later (1pm) as well as dinner (8-9pm).

The Italian government has a tumultuous history, so in everyday life, Italians usually may complain about the government or work around it to achieve personal goals. Sound familiar? :)

About 40% of Italians are practicing Catholics, but 85% of religious Italians are classified as Catholic. Apparently, it is the dominant religion, but culturally, not everyone is actively practicing as one – ie. going to church, etc.

The majority of people are ethnically Italian, but other groups include French-Italian and Slovene-Italians in the north, while Albanian-Italian and Greek-Italians in the south. Although different dialects are used, the official language is Italian, which is taught in schools and used by the government. Most people are loyal to their town and “geographic expression”, rather than national pride for their country. The strongest ties are familial.

Italy does have a high unemployment rate, so a noticeable gap exists between the wealthy and the poor. Immigrants are usually from poorer countries, and social boundaries are evident. Education is indicated through speech (close to the national language versus a dialect), in addition to the way one dresses and what kind of meat one eats.

Italians do not have much respect for lines, so usually push their way to the front – this is probably very different from American culture. Although in some aspects we are considered rude, in public settings we do respect lines. It’s quite interesting how many different perspectives can exist. Because America is pretty much a melting pot comparatively to other countries, similarities can always be found.

I’m thinking about it like a Rubik’s cube – merely depending on the angle and the way we organize our perspective and colors, different facets reveal themselves from the same components of every culture.