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Hospitality Dominicans pride themselves on their hospitality. When someone visits, they are immediately offered a cup of coffee and something to eat. Dominicans go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. When guests are invited to make themselves at home, the offer is quite sincere. Family First Loyalty to the family comes before any other social relationship, even business. The family forms the basis of stability. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the extended family, which generally encompasses three generations. Young people live at home or with a relative until they marry or move in with a partner. Elderly relatives are kept at home, not put in a nursing home. Dominicans enjoy visiting and socializing with their extended family. Appearance Matter In Dominican society appearance is very important. People are extremely fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success. They take great pride in wearing good fabrics and clothes of the best standard they can afford. You will be judged on your clothes, shoes, accessories and the way you carry yourself. Designer labels, particularly those from the USA, are easy to find. Social Stratification Economic issues determine social stratification in the Dominican Republic. Status is defined by family background, in addition to absolute wealth. The upper class can get a better education and benefit from personal relationships and power. However, someone in the middle or lower class may become financially successful. Social gatherings generally only include members of the same class. Religion The Dominican constitution guarantees freedom of religion, although over 60% of the population is normally Roman Catholic. For most people religious practice is limited and formalistic. The Catholic Church plays a greater role in political, civic, and governmental affairs than in most secular countries, but overall, relations between the church and the government are relatively conflict free. In the last decades the churches of protestant origin have increased their popularity among the devout Christians. Fatalism The influence of the Roman Catholic religion and the social stratification in the country produce a rather fatalistic approach towards life. Many sentences end with the phrase "Si Dios quiere" (meaning "if god wills it). This explains the Dominican approach to time management, accountability and initiative. Dominicans do not generally plan far in the future because that would presume that they had control over future events, when in reality they do not believe they do. This is often difficult for people who believe that they control their own destiny to understand and appreciate. |
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