Coming from an American perspective, the societal roles in Costa Rica could be compared to the societal roles in America during the 1950s. Their culture is historically “macho”, which is male dominant (). Men were the primary providers and protectors, while the women maintained all aspects and chores of the home. Women were held to the standard of continuously dressing nice and always wearing makeup, while the men would whistle and “catcall” to acknowledge their beauty. This behavior typically was the catalyst for men to engage in acts of infidelity and at one point, it was once considered to be a good thing to have a mistress ().
Over the past couple of decades, times have changed in Costa Rica. Now, women not only maintain their household duties, but they also take on the responsibilities of education and workplace (Delman). They often work outside of their homes and earn a salary almost equivalent to their spouses. Although men are more heavily involved in politics, women also have participated in government affairs. When Costa Rica elected Laura Chinchilla as their first woman president that was a key moment in history for women’s rights within the country. Although some sexism is still prevalent within the country, the balance and equality is much greater than before.
Men, on the other hand, still appreciate and acknowledge the beauty and grace of an attractive woman; however, the whistling and verbal remarks are only meant as compliments and nothing harmful. Infidelity is no longer something to brag about; instead it has become a private act. In regards to dress and appearance, both men and women take pride in how they look. When compared to American fashion trends, Ticos dress more business casual and on occasion will wear shorts (i.e. to the beach). Both genders dress professionally; however in comparison to America, their attire is much more revealing ().
Although Costa Rica has more open sexism than America, their progression has far exceeded that of America in gender roles simply because Tico women do not have the pressure to fit one “cookie cutter” appearance and they have already elected their first woman president. In America, women are viewed as beautiful if they are a size 0, weigh less than 120 pounds, have long hair, and have a pretty face. Even though appearance is something to take pride in, beauty has no one specific “look” and because Ticos acknowledge all types of women they have come a lot farther in society, from my perspective. Regardless of the historic gender roles in Costa Rica, they have progressed over time and are very well surpassing the United States in the governmental aspect; but in regards to common courtesy, I am still in favor of America’s values on respect.
Sources
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://costarica.com/culture/customs-etiquette/
Delman, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Costa-Rica.html
Over the past couple of decades, times have changed in Costa Rica. Now, women not only maintain their household duties, but they also take on the responsibilities of education and workplace (Delman). They often work outside of their homes and earn a salary almost equivalent to their spouses. Although men are more heavily involved in politics, women also have participated in government affairs. When Costa Rica elected Laura Chinchilla as their first woman president that was a key moment in history for women’s rights within the country. Although some sexism is still prevalent within the country, the balance and equality is much greater than before.
Men, on the other hand, still appreciate and acknowledge the beauty and grace of an attractive woman; however, the whistling and verbal remarks are only meant as compliments and nothing harmful. Infidelity is no longer something to brag about; instead it has become a private act. In regards to dress and appearance, both men and women take pride in how they look. When compared to American fashion trends, Ticos dress more business casual and on occasion will wear shorts (i.e. to the beach). Both genders dress professionally; however in comparison to America, their attire is much more revealing ().
Although Costa Rica has more open sexism than America, their progression has far exceeded that of America in gender roles simply because Tico women do not have the pressure to fit one “cookie cutter” appearance and they have already elected their first woman president. In America, women are viewed as beautiful if they are a size 0, weigh less than 120 pounds, have long hair, and have a pretty face. Even though appearance is something to take pride in, beauty has no one specific “look” and because Ticos acknowledge all types of women they have come a lot farther in society, from my perspective. Regardless of the historic gender roles in Costa Rica, they have progressed over time and are very well surpassing the United States in the governmental aspect; but in regards to common courtesy, I am still in favor of America’s values on respect.
Sources
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://costarica.com/culture/customs-etiquette/
Delman, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Costa-Rica.html
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