Family and culture of the world

1. MHE 8

4. Culture, is the collective term to
identify the ideas, customs and
social behavior of a particular
people or society. Culture is a vast
area, since it encompasses, place of
birth, religion, language, cuisine,
social behaviors, art, literature, and
music. A particular culture can be
observed among a particular group
of people. Culture is created by a
group of people over a long period
of time.

5. Tradition, refers to the
ideas and beliefs that are
passed down from one
generation to another
generation. Traditions are
part of the culture. Some
traditions are unique to some
families. It can be created by
individuals.

7. Family is considered to be the foundation of social life for
most Filipinos. The nuclear family is the core family unit,
however bonds are often tight knit among extended family
members. Indeed, people may be encouraged to have a
relationship with their aunts and uncles that is just as strong
as the relationship with their parents. Close familial
relationships often go beyond one’s genetic connections or
bloodlines to incorporate distant relatives, close neighbors or
friends. For example, it is common to hear people refer to
distant relatives or non-relatives with familial terms such as
‘tita’ (aunt), ‘tito’ (uncle), ‘lola’ (grandmother) and ‘lolo’
(grandfather). This implies that Family bonds are important
to Filipinos.
Filial piety is an important concept in Filipino culture. It is
understood as essential in order to maintain the collective
face of the family and to avoid experiencing hiya. Many
Filipinos hold the belief that each family member has several
duties and responsibilities they must uphold. Observing one’s
duties and responsibilities is important in order to correctly
respect others and to ensure harmony among family
members. For example, family members are required to show
respect to their elders at all times. The opinions of younger
family members’ and children’s opinions are considered to be
secondary to their superior. Moreover, those requiring age
care are nearly always taken care of by their children or
grandchildren.

8. In a Filipino household, it is common to find three generations
living together. Often, grandparents play a large role in raising
their grandchildren. Extended family will often live relatively
close to one another and will come together during large
celebrations. It is common to find families in the Philippines
that have some members who return to their family home
during weekends after spending a week in major cities for work
or study.
Since the 1970s, the Philippines has been exporting labor
abroad, with some members engaging in paid labor abroad
while many remain in their home town or village. This means
that many Filipino families are spread across the world. Filipino
society has widely adapted to the change in family structure.
At times, Filipino society is tagged as patriarchal. This is in part
due to machismo attitudes and the masculine standards of
many Filipino men. However, the Philippines is closer to
exhibiting a matriarchal society. The female influence is
significant throughout the country, with many women holding
senior roles throughout business and the government. In the
household structure, it is often a matriarch in charge.
Generally, the head of the household is usually the oldest
female, often the grandmother (lola). Income from family
members are often pooled together, then the matriarch will
look after the family finances.

9. In the Philippines, dating often comes in stages, beginning
with courtship. Typically, a man will try to impress a female
by courting her. If the woman considers the man to be a
good suitor, they will continue dating. Individuals have a
significant level of freedom in terms of choosing marriage
partners, although the choice of a spouse may be influenced
by the preferences of the family. In some families, it is
expected for the prospective partner to gain approval of
their potential in-laws.
Expectations and practices of marriage are heavily
shaped by the Catholic Church. Marriage is understood as a
milestone and it is expected that individuals will one day
marry a suitable partner.
Most Filipinos consider Sunday as the time to spend
time with the family, since the family members have
no work or school during this day. Some are going to
the church, to the malls, having a meal together as a
family, visiting relatives, family time with the kids,
and etc. The major festivals are also celebrated
together with the family. If a family originates
outside the city, they journey back to the rural area
where they have their roots, to celebrate. These
Filipino family traditions promote close family ties.

10. Filipino families offer the best of whatever they got
in their home to their guests. They would offer the
room with the nicest bed and mothers would bring
the best linens and etc. for the guests to use. Good
meals will be prepared to the guests and most
importantly, use of the best kitchen ware and utensils
reserved only for the guests. A typical Filipino house
is not completely called a home without facility ready
for unexpected guest/visitors. It is filled with new and
lovely items reserved only for them.
Alison Jean Thomas. (n.d). Filipino Culture and Traditions.
Lovetoknow.com. https://family.lovetoknow.com/cultural-heritage-
symbols/filipino-culture-traditions
Chara Scroope. (2017). Filipino Culture (Family). Cultural Atlas.com.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/filipino-culture/filipino-culture-
family
Filipino Traditions: What A Typical Filipino Family Does On A
Sunday. (2022). https:www.camella.com.ph/filipino-traditions-what-
a-typical-filipino-family-does-on-sunday/