52 CultureShock! Chile
divorce, the environment, AIDS, abortion, sexuality, drugs,
child abuse, etc. This radical opening comes in spite of the
influence of the more conservative sectors of society, such
as the Catholic Church. While discussion of these issues is
becoming more prevalent, the issues themselves are not
necessarily being embraced.
It is primarily the young people who are breaking with
the conservative attitudes of the past. As the country
becomes a more active member of the global community,
Chileans are increasingly receptive to new and different
ideas. Some may be viewed as refreshing and positive,
while others may have negative implications. For example,
Chileans are getting married later after asserting a certain
degree of independence. On the other hand, money and
the conspicuous consumption that it brings have made
an impact on society. People are much more competitive
than in the past, always in hot pursuit of finalising the deal
and making a profit. Older Chileans are amazed at the
amount of wealth and the monthly salaries of the younger
generation. The country seems to be functioning at a new
and higher energy level. You’ll see a lot of cell phones and
new cars on the street and Chile now boasts the highest
number of personal computers per capita in Latin America.
The pressure to succeed can be seen in several spheres of
life. One aspect has been a certain arrogance towards Latin
American neighbours. Some firms have ordered sensitivity
classes for their employees to prevent the emergence of the
‘Ugly Chilean’. Yet, this has produced a backlash among
some very young adults, who have a desire to return to the
basics, reject materialism and promote solidarity.Young Brides and Grooms
Chileans tend to marry within the same socio-economic
class. They also marry young, usually in their 20s. Chileans
used to marry in their early twenties, but now waiting until
their late twenties is more common. Women used to be
under a great deal of pressure to marry before their 30th
birthday, when they would be labelled old maids. When
Susan turned 30 in Chile, everyone’s first question upon