Expert: Sandra - 4/20/2010

Question
Hi Sandra!
we are doing a project on the teen culture in brazil in comparison to canada. we would like to know if the respect for family members is higher or lower in brazil to canada, are they given more or less freedome, is family a very important aspect and just in general how does the teen culture differ. thank you very much!

-Nathalie and Sarah

Answer
Hi Nathalie and Sarah.
Since I know very little about the culture of Canada, I am not able to compare it to Brazil's.
However, I can say that the family is very important in Brazil. Many generations of family spend a lot of time together at home and doing activities. There is Brazilian music that all generations know and enjoy going to see at live shows together. Even small children are often seen out quite late at a restaurant or bar with their parents. Most grown children live at home until they marry. They are very respectful toward their parents and grandparents, sometimes asking the parents' blessing when they meet or talk. I have observed that in small towns and villages, adolescents may have more freedom to go out with friends than in the bigger and more dangerous cities. Although well-off families have servants to help around the house, many teens have responsibilities in the house, and may even have outside jobs from a very early age to provide needed family income.
Hope this helps a bit. Maybe one day, you can visit Brazil and see for yourselves.