Deep Structure of Culture by

Would my family be classified as informal or formal?

u1434744 — 2024-09-20 02:33:52 UTC

This question can definitely be interpreted in many ways. In simple terms, my family is considered to be traditional. My parents are still married, with three children including me. My family is the standard nuclear family. On the other hand, the overall structural roles in my family are informal. During my childhood, my parents weren't typically around. I was often left to take care of myself and my brothers. When my youngest brother was born, in a way, I assumed the maternal role for him. Every need of mine was put behind his. Whenever any parent was around, it was usually my father. My mother was in school full time and working full time, so it wasn't often I'd be able to spend time with her.

Who made the major decisions in my family?

u1434744 — 2024-09-20 02:34:27 UTC

Although my parents weren't often around during my childhood, they were still very involved in all of the decision making. Arguably, I'd say that the children didn't get much say in anything going on. My wants and opinions were often over-looked. Between my mom and my dad, I'd say they split the major decision making equally. Not in the way that they would make decisions together, but they'd take turns overpowering the other parent in deciding different things. As I've gotten older, I've been able to make many major life decisions on my own. After moving out, I found a new sense of freedom.

How did I learn about religious matters?

u1434744 — 2024-09-20 02:34:47 UTC

Growing up in Utah, I was raised in a mormon, or LDS household. My parents were involved in all of the churches values and beliefs, attending church processions each week. After growing up and gaining my own beliefs, I became less religiously active. I still have many of the same values as I did as a child because it's what I was taught my whole life. Religion was always very important, especially after the death of other family members. My mother, who is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, converted into mormonism. My father was born and raised in it, but his parents were also converts. My parents met whilst my father was on a religious mission, and retell the story of their meeting often.

Was competition or cooperation stressed?

u1434744 — 2024-09-20 02:35:20 UTC

Cooperation was always overshadowed by competition. Everybody in my family was always put against each other. This is especially apparent in the case of me versus my brothers. I have a lot of guilt for the way me and my brothers were turned against each other. I was the stereotypical "example child", which left my brothers to be often overlooked. Both of my brothers are incredibly talented in many ways, and academically gifted. Being the first child and the only girl, I was the guinea pig for every hobby you can think of. I was also pressured by my parents to do well in school. My brothers weren't as much. I was told often that my parents were proud of me, but my brothers can't recount a time they were told the same. Even today, me and my brothers have a somewhat strained relationship. Everybody in my family is naturally competitive, for better or for worse.