Cultural Interview And Analysis Paper: Peruvian Culture

Cultural Interview and Analysis Paper: Peruvian Culture
Peruvians represent a minority group in the United States. Two of the main reasons why Peruvians have migrated to different cities of this country are: political and economic changes in Peru. As most of people who abandon their countries, what motivates Peruvians to come is the desire to improve their life here as well as their families’ life (Paerregaard, 2005). However, even when they migrate from Peru to the United States, they tend to keep their views and values with them, which continues to influence their lives. Even though, this group share similar characteristics with other Latino groups that have Hispanic origins, Peruvians have social and cultural distinctiveness. An interview

with a Peruvian individual revealed that socioeconomic aspects of Peruvian culture can have an impact in the counselor’s approach toward this culture.
Cultural Characteristics a Counselor/Psycho-Therapist Should Be Aware of In Order to Be More Effective with This Group
Based on the cultural interview, the first cultural characteristic that a counselor/psycho therapist should be aware of when working with Peruvians the sense of racial superiority that many people from this culture have.

This is something that may come up during a therapy session as a normal conversation, mainly from many White Peruvians. A characteristic that Peruvians share with many other Latino cultures is familismo, a term that refers to a close relationship between family members (Pedersen, Lonner, Draguns, Trimble, & Scharron-del Rio, 2016). A counselor/psycho therapist should acknowledge that Peruvians rarely think only about the individual, instead they are more on the collectivistic side. This means that for individuals from this culture, family is a very important element in their lives. It will not be a good idea if a counselor focuses the therapy session on the individual but on the individual and his/her family. Being aware of this characteristic can also help the therapeutic relationship because it can first, contribute to the level of connectedness between client and therapist and, second, it provides beneficial information regarding the client and how to approach his/her issues. In addition, based on an article by Gargurevich and Soenens (2015), when it comes to familismo, reaserch has showed that it can be a protective element associated with adolescents’ mental health (Gargurevich & Soenens, 2015). The interviewee also mentioned that when it comes to

family members, grandparents, uncles/ants, nephews/nieces, etc. are included besides parents and siblings.
Experiences or Activities That Would Help a Counselor Learn More about These Characteristics
In order for a counselor to learn about cultural characteristics that are important for Peruvians, it is recommended to meet people from this culture in the community; attend to seminars that discuss important aspects regarding this group and Latino clients in general; learn about Peruvian culture by watching documentaries and read literature about this culture; and travel to Peru, as this will help the counselor see and experience how Peruvians behave in their country of origin. Learning the history of Peru can provide knowledge about how Peruvians developed their values and perspectives in life. It is worth mentioning that this country was influenced by Spanish culture, as Spanish conquerors governed the country for a period of time. The interviewee also added that it would be a good idea that a counselor work under the supervision of another counselor who is experienced in treating Latino clients.
Intergenerational Issues Identified in This Group and Issues with Adjustment to Mainstream Culture
One of the most common conflicts between generations is that of politics. Older generations in Peru tend to be more conservative while younger generations are more liberal and are also interested in equality and being eco-conscious. The socioeconomic status of people represents an important factor for older generations. In the case of younger generations, they are more welcoming and tolerant. Although the society in this country continues to be male-dominant, nowadays, there is more gender equality, which constitutes an intergenerational conflict, as older generations are in the traditional side.
For this culture, there are not significant issues when adjusting to mainstream culture. However, for older generations, it can be more difficult to adjust to the liberal, American way of thinking, such as the idea of a person living with her/his partner without being married, and so forth. People who believe in the ideals of this type of religion tend to have a more conservative behavior.
Value Systems Held by This Group In Regards To: Role of Different Family Members/Family Structure
In the majority of Peruvian families, the family members who usually have more power are the father, who makes the majority of decisions and the mother/wife. Elders are very respected in this culture and their role is more on the advisory side than in the decision-making. These family members will let children express their opinions, however, adults are the ones making the decisions. Children are expected to study and obtain the best grades possible, while adults work. In this culture, people are encouraged to get married, live together, and then have children, in the order.
Children’s Behavior
When it comes to children’s behavior, this culture believes that discipline is important in order to avoid letting children throw tantrums and behave accordingly when they are at home or in public. Family members from this culture value teaching kids to respect others, especially elders, behave appropriately in school, and obtain good grades.
Work
Peruvian culture values hard work, as this is beneficial for the family. It is very important for people from Peru, especially from Lima, which is the capital city, to keep up with appearances and that a person always looks at his/her best. Having a prestigious job position is very encouraged in this culture. As this society is slowly progressing, women are found in the workforce in leadership positions, however, they also have the role of homemakers. This culture values having a good reputation within people’s social circle.
Education-Learning
The interviewee explained that in her family, education is very encouraged and that she is still expected to obtain good grades in her Master’s program.

Also, even though Peruvians encourage education and learning, the government does not offer much help. As there is poverty in many regions of Peru, children, and even adults, are illiterate. Children have not time to go to school, because they have to work in order to make money and support their families. Also, public education is very poor, so if parents want their children to have good education, they will have to send them to private school, which can be expensive. The majority of people who attend to this schools are White, as they belong to the middle-class and upper-class, who are the ones that can afford to go to private

school.
Success
In Peru, the definition of “success” varies depending on the gender of the person. In the case of men, success would be defined by having a good education (going to the University of Lima), marrying an attractive woman, who comes from a good family, and by studying a prestigious career, such as medicine or law. Making good money, is another important element for a man to be successful. In the case of a woman, marrying a man from a wealthy, upper class family and that does not look indigenous are important elements for her to be successful. Also, being a great homemaker, which means cooking delicious meals, cleaning efficiently, and raising great kids, means she is successful.