Questions
1. List some aspects of Latin American culture and indicate the influences on their development.
2. What current factors might cause cultural change to occur in Latin America? What are the likely changes?
3. Explain some cultural contrasts or differences within Latin America. How might they impact international business operations?
Answers
1. Latin America represents 1/10 of the world's population, and geographically can be located from the land extensions of Mexico, until the Patagonia at Argentina. Some of the most relevant elements of today's culture in Latin America are; Religion, Values, Attitudes, Social structure, Social stratification, Language and Gift-giving hospitality. The predominant religion throughout history in Latin America has been Catholicism. From big cities to small villages, churches, basilicas, and cathedrals are found. Catholicism left its mark, from customs and values to architecture and art. During many years in many countries the Catholic Church had power over all civil institutions, education, and law. Nowadays religion plays an important role in Latin America, but the church and the state are officially separated, and the practice of other religions is freely allowed. As the author of our book states; the "catholic church is an important pillar of these societies." Other important factors of Latin American culture are values and attitudes. As our author states, " Cultural attitudes toward such factors as time, age, education, and status reflect these values and in turn shape the behavior of and opportunities available to international businesses operating in a given culture." In Latin American culture time is seeing as space. As the ...