Culture Shock in Spain
Most expats moving to Spain will be familiar with the token cultural concept of “siesta”, but more often than not, this small gap in time is the extent of foreigner’s Spanish foundation. Those relocating to the Iberian Peninsula won’t find a need to make large-scale life changing adjustments, but there are some cultural intricacies that may take some getting used to.
Many places still observe the siesta, which is a long break between 2pm and 5pm in which many people sleep or return home for lunch; but expats working in the larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona will find the siesta slowly disappearing. Spanish businessmen cannot afford to take this time out of their days, and many workers find that a shorter lunch gives them more time to spend with their families in the evening. For restaurants and other members of the service industry the siesta, if taken, runs at a different time.
Politeness in Spain often does not rely on the quintessential ‘pleases’ and ‘thank-you’s that dominate the English world. Expect instead to be spoken to with short and sharp requests for either action or information. For most purposes the please, ‘por favour’ is either overly formal or a sign of exasperation. Spanish shopkeepers will acknowledge one with little more than a quick “Si?’ and an expectant facial expression. The Spanish work on their own time, meaning that hurrying someone usually just irritates that person. Having asked for the bill in a Spanish restaurant, expect to wait for a few minutes. It will not be brought immediately. All this does not mean the Spanish are rude, they just do things differently.
Women may have a difficult time adjusting to Spanish culture, especially if they come from places where catcalling has fallen away. The cities are essentially modern, but rural Spain still holds onto some of its patriarchal thinking. Staring and commenting on passing women is something of a national past-time for many groups of men. While times are changing, it’s not for nothing that the word Machismo originated in the Spanish speaking world. However, there are few legal, educational or cultural impediments to female advancement in the work-place and the law protects female equality.
The Spanish are a Roman Catholic nation. While the church is not state backed, the evidence of its reach can be seen everywhere. In many towns the largest building is the church, and the cathedrals and shrines of Spain are not to be missed when site-seeing. As much as 70 percent of the nation identifies with the Catholic Church, and as many 20 percent are regular churchgoers.
Condoms can only be bought on request, and are not sold openly as they are elsewhere in the world. Abortions on demand only came to be legally endorsed in February 2010, prior to this point the procedure could only be carried out for rapes and for maternal health concerns.
The structure of the Spanish government means that a high degree of autonomy is given to each of its 17 political regions. This means that both laws and culture can vary extensively from one part of Spain to another. The bureaucracy in Spain is particularly painful. This is a reflection of the Spanish attitudes toward contracts. The Spanish will take a lot of time negotiating any deal, running over each section until it is clear that both sides understand what is required of them, and once signed it is expected that the contract is carried out to the letter.
Many places still observe the siesta, which is a long break between 2pm and 5pm in which many people sleep or return home for lunch; but expats working in the larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona will find the siesta slowly disappearing. Spanish businessmen cannot afford to take this time out of their days, and many workers find that a shorter lunch gives them more time to spend with their families in the evening. For restaurants and other members of the service industry the siesta, if taken, runs at a different time.
Politeness in Spain often does not rely on the quintessential ‘pleases’ and ‘thank-you’s that dominate the English world. Expect instead to be spoken to with short and sharp requests for either action or information. For most purposes the please, ‘por favour’ is either overly formal or a sign of exasperation. Spanish shopkeepers will acknowledge one with little more than a quick “Si?’ and an expectant facial expression. The Spanish work on their own time, meaning that hurrying someone usually just irritates that person. Having asked for the bill in a Spanish restaurant, expect to wait for a few minutes. It will not be brought immediately. All this does not mean the Spanish are rude, they just do things differently.
Women may have a difficult time adjusting to Spanish culture, especially if they come from places where catcalling has fallen away. The cities are essentially modern, but rural Spain still holds onto some of its patriarchal thinking. Staring and commenting on passing women is something of a national past-time for many groups of men. While times are changing, it’s not for nothing that the word Machismo originated in the Spanish speaking world. However, there are few legal, educational or cultural impediments to female advancement in the work-place and the law protects female equality.
The Spanish are a Roman Catholic nation. While the church is not state backed, the evidence of its reach can be seen everywhere. In many towns the largest building is the church, and the cathedrals and shrines of Spain are not to be missed when site-seeing. As much as 70 percent of the nation identifies with the Catholic Church, and as many 20 percent are regular churchgoers.Condoms can only be bought on request, and are not sold openly as they are elsewhere in the world. Abortions on demand only came to be legally endorsed in February 2010, prior to this point the procedure could only be carried out for rapes and for maternal health concerns.
The structure of the Spanish government means that a high degree of autonomy is given to each of its 17 political regions. This means that both laws and culture can vary extensively from one part of Spain to another. The bureaucracy in Spain is particularly painful. This is a reflection of the Spanish attitudes toward contracts. The Spanish will take a lot of time negotiating any deal, running over each section until it is clear that both sides understand what is required of them, and once signed it is expected that the contract is carried out to the letter.
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