Family Culture
Family is the foundation of the Puerto Rican social structure. ”Familismo” is a Puerto Rican word meaning close family connections, stressing the well-being of the family, as opposed to cultures which place a greater emphasis on friends and same-age peers as an integral part of the social structure.
Puerto Rican family structure is extensive; it is based on the Spanish system of compadrazco (literally "co-parenting") in which many members—not just parents and siblings—are considered to be part of the immediate family. Thus los abuelos (grandparents) and los tios y las tias (uncles and aunts) and even los primos y las primas (cousins) are considered extremely close relatives in the Puerto Rican family structure. Close friends often refer to each other as compadre y comadre to reinforce the familial bond, and godparents (padrino/madrina) are considered second parents.
Sources:
Puerto Rican family structure is extensive; it is based on the Spanish system of compadrazco (literally "co-parenting") in which many members—not just parents and siblings—are considered to be part of the immediate family. Thus los abuelos (grandparents) and los tios y las tias (uncles and aunts) and even los primos y las primas (cousins) are considered extremely close relatives in the Puerto Rican family structure. Close friends often refer to each other as compadre y comadre to reinforce the familial bond, and godparents (padrino/madrina) are considered second parents.
- In the traditional Puerto Rican culture, family can influence members' choices in such matters as where to live, where and with whom to work, and how they spend their time, to a greater degree than other cultures.
- Communications by telephone, as well as visits among families, are signs of being caring and are strongly encouraged and valued.
- Family honor is of primary importance to Puerto Ricans.
- Individual achievement is not considered as valuable as family loyalty.
- It is quite common to find three generations living under the same roof.
- Married couples tend to live in a house or apartment near their parents.
- Children are valued as the poor man’s wealth, the caretakers of the old, and a symbol of fertility. Quite often parents, especially mothers, make sacrifices for their children.
- Adult children are generally expected to live at home until marriage.
- Family, kinship, and friendship play a major role in both social and business interactions.
- Placing elderly relatives in nursing home facilities is unusual. Grandparents usually live with their children and may participate in community activities for the elderly.
Sources:
- http://ldldproject.net/cultures/puertorico/differences/family.html
- http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Pa-Sp/Puerto-Rican-Americans.html#ixzz2Zh9OO0Xs