Culture of Italians
...ous existence. In contrast, southern Italian, who have relied on farming for their livelihood, has tended to be poorer, less educated and some what more fatalistic in their outlook on life." Every ethnic back round has distinct family patterns and roles. With the Italians there is virtually no such thing as a separate nuclear family in this culture. Family members must never do anything to hurt or disgrace the family. Likewise in taking advantage of their family as well, this is unacceptable and is not tolerated. Family roles, traditionally the father has been the undisputed head of the household, often authoritarian and rigid in his rule setting guidelines for behavior. The father is the protector, provider and the problem solve. Whether their wives can cook as well as their mother is paid close attention to by their husbands. "The changing role of women in our society today may naturally place great strain on Italian men who were raised in a traditional context. That brings the family role of the mother, the glue that holds the family together. In a traditional Italian family the mother promotes emotional stability. Although the husbands needs take first priority over her own. She has a considerable control within the home, running the household and taking care of all the responsablities. The sons of the house view their mothers as being very powerful within the home while daughters struggle to emulate. The married couples are not together for emotional attachment with each other rather then t...