Cultural Competency in Italy Italy is an 116,348 square mile country located in Europe. The country is mainly mountainous with the climate varying depending on the region. The population of Italy is 61 million with a majority being ethnic Italians. Different cities speak different dialects, but the official language of Italy is Italian. The people take pride in their appearance, family, education, and religion (CultureGram, 2013).
Religion
Christians mainly dominate Italy with eighty percent practicing the religion, most of whom are Roman Catholic. Not many people attend the services, but instead they find alternative ways to worship (CultureGram, 2016). Arnett (2016) mentions that many Catholic and Protestants states …show more content…
Most men and women greet each other by shaking hands, although when a man gets introduced to a woman, the man will bow his head and waits for the woman to put out her hand. People who are close friends often hug or kiss on both cheeks (CultureGram, 2013). People in different countries all have their own way of how they introduce themselves to one another and that is a significant part of their culture.
Family
Family is key to Italians. They value family relationships, being together, and take pride in their family obligations. An average northern family has one or two children and live with that immediate family, while southern families are often larger and have multiple generations living in the same house (CultureGram, 2013). Arnett (2016) brings up the idea that throughout the world, midlife adults often having the responsibility to care for their parents due to cultural traditions and family values (p. 544). Italians are very family oriented and are proud of it.
Gender …show more content…
There is a main meal which consists of three courses, pasta, fish or meat, and vegetables. It is common for people to drink wine at meals and to use it while cooking (CultureGram, 2013). Food from different cultures tend to differ in the ways that they are prepared and served.
Education
Education is free for students between the ages of six and sixteen. High school is meant to prepare the students for higher education. In the article, “School Systems in Italy,” Celeste Stewart described the unique schooling methods used in Italy. Stewart stated, “Italy is known to be one of the few countries in the world where a distinct, well defined choice about a pupil's future professional career needs to be taken as early as 14,” showing how serious Italians prepare for their career (Stewart).
Conclusion
Overall, Italian culture is one that views family, education, and religion as important aspects of daily life. They respect and live by the value that family comes first. They spend a great chunk of time preparing for their future and honor that commitment. Italians culture has commonalities that are shared with other cultures
Religion
Christians mainly dominate Italy with eighty percent practicing the religion, most of whom are Roman Catholic. Not many people attend the services, but instead they find alternative ways to worship (CultureGram, 2016). Arnett (2016) mentions that many Catholic and Protestants states …show more content…
Most men and women greet each other by shaking hands, although when a man gets introduced to a woman, the man will bow his head and waits for the woman to put out her hand. People who are close friends often hug or kiss on both cheeks (CultureGram, 2013). People in different countries all have their own way of how they introduce themselves to one another and that is a significant part of their culture.
Family
Family is key to Italians. They value family relationships, being together, and take pride in their family obligations. An average northern family has one or two children and live with that immediate family, while southern families are often larger and have multiple generations living in the same house (CultureGram, 2013). Arnett (2016) brings up the idea that throughout the world, midlife adults often having the responsibility to care for their parents due to cultural traditions and family values (p. 544). Italians are very family oriented and are proud of it.
Gender …show more content…
There is a main meal which consists of three courses, pasta, fish or meat, and vegetables. It is common for people to drink wine at meals and to use it while cooking (CultureGram, 2013). Food from different cultures tend to differ in the ways that they are prepared and served.
Education
Education is free for students between the ages of six and sixteen. High school is meant to prepare the students for higher education. In the article, “School Systems in Italy,” Celeste Stewart described the unique schooling methods used in Italy. Stewart stated, “Italy is known to be one of the few countries in the world where a distinct, well defined choice about a pupil's future professional career needs to be taken as early as 14,” showing how serious Italians prepare for their career (Stewart).
Conclusion
Overall, Italian culture is one that views family, education, and religion as important aspects of daily life. They respect and live by the value that family comes first. They spend a great chunk of time preparing for their future and honor that commitment. Italians culture has commonalities that are shared with other cultures