■Italian Society & Culture
◆ Italian Family Values
◇The family is the core of the social structure and has a stabilizing effect on its members.
◇In the north, usually only the nuclear family lives together; while in the south, the extended family often dwells together in one house.
◇The family supplies both emotional and financial support to its members.
◆ Italian Style
◇Appearances are very important in Italy.
◇The way you dress can show your social status, your family’s background, and your educational background.
◇First impressions are perpetual in Italy.
◇The concept of “bella figura” or good image is highly valued by Italians.
◇They unconsciously estimate another person’s age and social standing in the first few seconds of meeting them, often before any communications.
◇Italians care much about their clothes. They are extremely fashion-conscious and form an opinion about people through their appearance. You will be judged on your clothes, shoes, accessories and manners.
◇Bella figura does not only refer to dressing well. It extends to the temperament you display too—i.e. confidence, style, behaviors, etc.
◆ Catholicism
◇Roman Catholic is the primary religion in Italy. There are more Catholic churches per capita in Italy than in any other country. Although fewer people go regularly to the church, the influence of the church is still high.
◇There is a cross or a religious statue in the lobby of many office buildings.
◇At least one patron saint is associated with each day of the year.
◇Children are named after a particular saint and observe their saint’s day as if it were their own birthday.
◇Each trade and profession has a patron saint.
◇The church advocates hierarchy, which can be found in all Italian relationships.
◇They revere and follow those who are more senior, those who have achieved some business success, and those who come from well-connected families.