The Salvadoran family
Family size, family planning, childcare, children themselves and family roles have undergone numerous changes over the last few decades. These changes have had a direct impact on the development of the whole of Salvadoran society and its component parts.
For example, the industrialization of Salvadoran cities, along with the high cost of living, social problems, unemployment, low wages and changing values, have transformed family organization and structure.
Today, men and women are postponing marriage until they achieve job stability, a better economic situation and personal fulfillment and satisfaction.
The average age of marriage is higher, as is reflection on the implications of a lifelong commitment.
Today, it's harder to meet the needs of a large family than in the past. As a result, couples are choosing to have fewer children, to ensure, as far as possible, a better standard of living. This phenomenon occurs mainly in urban areas and large cities. A few years ago, the average Salvadoran liked to have several children: 4, 5 or more. Today, as in many other countries, this has changed and the norm is to have 1 or 2 children, because the cost of living is high and you need to be able to meet all the family's needs.
The traditional family model (father, mother and children) is still in force in Salvadoran society, but there have been significant changes. This is evidenced by the growing number of single-parent families, one-person households and childless couples, who together account for a third of all families.
a conservative company
If you ask a Salvadoran: "¿ qué tal?" - how are things? - he'll answer "bien, gracias a Dios" - well, thanks to God. Almost every greeting includes a reference to the divine. In recent decades, this traditionally Catholic country has seen a considerable increase in conversions to the various currents of Protestantism, but the number of non-believers is also rising sharply.
Nevertheless, Salvadoran society remains more religious in doctrine than in ritual practice, especially for Catholics.
Despite differences between Catholics and Protestants, conservative values dominate, whether in the area of penalizing abortion or same-sex unions. The country has one of the most penalizing abortion laws in the world, which is illegal. Women are liable to heavy prison sentences, and medical staff are encouraged to denounce any woman presenting themselves at the hospital if they are suspected of having had an abortion.
Despite the government's official rhetoric about El Salvador's current levels of security, from a so-called "safe country", the increase in sexual, psychological and property-related violence against women proves that in reality the country is no longer safe for them.
Today's Salvadoran
To understand a country, you need to know its traditions, its culture and the character traits of its people, as they forge the structures of society and help us understand its past and present.
Salvadorans are renowned for their hard work, joy and kindness.
The average Salvadoran likes to work and earn an honest living. In many cases, they work and study at night to excel or get a better job.
Roque Dalton is perhaps the poet who has best defined the Salvadoran personality. In his words: "Salvadorans have the ability to do everything, they know everything, but in the end they do nothing".
Fortunately, this description is not representative of all Salvadorans, but it does describe the state of mind and the character trait of Salvadoran society.
The description of this Salvadoran, unfortunately, corresponds most closely to reality. He's a person who has no discipline and makes no effort to improve his personal condition. And although he wants to live in an orderly world, he makes little effort to adapt.
Dalton paints a Salvadoran who gets used to living with what he has. A Salvadoran with a refined frivolity, but with great patriotic feelings. He cries when he hears the national anthem, paints his face blue and white when he supports the soccer team, drinks Salvadoran beer because he's proud to be Salvadoran. He insults every time he speaks. Wherever he goes, he continues to miss El Salvador.
Salvadorans can laugh about their problems, including death. Moreover, they are very expressive and love to laugh and make jokes.
Unfortunately, they often don't take problems seriously, have high expectations but don't do much to get results.
Salvadorans are very friendly and welcoming people. They love to converse and make "friends" with tourists visiting the country. What's more, they are very respectful and always strive to make you feel at home.
Another characteristic of Salvadorans is their passion for music and dance. If you have the opportunity to attend a Salvadoran party, don't hesitate to dance and enjoy the rhythm of the music. Salvadorans are very good dancers in general.
Another interesting aspect of Salvadorans is their love of food. They eat all the time and are very proud of their cuisine, loving to share their recipes and teach tourists how to cook some of their typical dishes.
As the author of this text, I would say that for me, Salvadorans are like teenagers with all the qualities and faults of adolescence.
