33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

PERU 4 communities have also maintained some form of traditional dress. The ownership of cars, expensive clothing, knowledge of English or other foreign languages are typical markers of elite status in contemporary Peru. Indians are still portrayed as backwards and inferior and perform the hardest and less remunerative forms of labour. Through the lack of opportunities to improve their social situations, most Afro-Peruvians have been limited to rural work or domestic labour. 13 The control of one's emotions and feelings is highly valued among all Peruvians, but especially among men. Respect for elders, shown through such actions as giving up one's seat for elderly people on buses, also has a strong place among public values. These values of discipline and respect for others are in sharp contrast to a political scene marked with great levels of authoritarianism and widespread corruption. Public expressions of sexuality, including that of homosexual behaviour, is strongly discouraged. 14 Gender and family relations A division of labour by gender is even further reinforced today. In spite of women gaining more formal education and public occupations, widespread international migration has left women in charge of households and encouraged them to get involved in social movements. Peru could be described as a patriarchal society. Men are preferentially treated in most, if not all, aspects of society. Sons are preferred over daughters, are given more freedom, and are less burdened with household chores and family obligations. Men are expected to provide for their families, however, there is a large number of female-run households where the mother has to work and provide for her children. 15 In general, Peruvians have free choice about who they can or cannot marry, with class and money being the two most significant variables in terms of marriage decisions. The Peruvian model for a domestic unit is the Western nuclear family. Men in general have the highest authority within the house, although women also have much of the decision-making power, especially concerning children and family matters, even though it tends not to be explicitly recognized. 16 Indian mothers tend to carry their infants in slings upon their backs even while performing agricultural labour. Indian mothers also openly nurse their children in public places, a practice that is shunned upon by many of the more Westernized Mestizo and White mothers. 17 13 http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Peru.html 14 ibid 15 ibid 16 ibid 17 ibid