Family Etiquette in Greek Society June 12, 2013

Students have been writing compositions about manners in various cultures.  Evgenia describes the importance of etiquette in the Greek family:

Unwritten rules of etiquette exist in Greece, as everywhere else in the world.  Even if the term “rules” may trigger a little bit of fear, it is relatively easy to understand the local mentality and behavior.

The fundamental factor in the smooth functioning of Greek society is considered to be the family.  The parents work and are responsible for the children, the house, the food, health problems, clothing, the children’s education, taxes, etc.  It is mandatory by law that the children have to attend the first nine years of school – until the age of 15.  But the Greeks love to see their progeny get a university diploma, so they sacrifice in order to support them.  The parents treat all their “angels” equally and promote the ideal of real and unconditional support among the family members.

Parents usually give their descendants the father’s last name.  However, in some cases, they leave the decision to the children about what name they want, their mother’s or their father’s.

The father is considered the head of the family, but many decisions are made by the wife.  She has the last word.  According to a statistical research completed one month ago, insurance companies canceled appointments with their clients if the wife was not present in the house.

 PC TECH: English Language School in New York City