Spanish Youth vs. American Youth

In my three-month home stay in Seville, I have observed many interesting things about family dynamics and social norms. During my semester here, I have been living with a middle-age couple and their nineteen year-old daughter. In the household, the mother and father fully support the daughter financially, don’t require her to do household chores and allow her to do whatever she pleases. Over time, I learned that all of my friends staying with host families had similar experiences and it is common for young people to continue these practices until they get married or move-out of their parents’ house when they are in their mid to late twenties. 

Conversely, in America there is a pressure for young people to get a part-time job, help pay for college, and often support themselves from the age of eighteen, sometimes even younger. Many American parents have the expectation that their child will move out of the house once they attend or graduate from college.

Initially, I was very jealous of Spanish youth because it seemed as though they did not have to worry about any financial responsibilities or household duties. After discussing the cultural differences between American and Spanish family dynamics with my host father, I learned that although Spanish youth may seem spoiled or malcriado is because social and economic circumstances often prevent them from branching out. The poor economy, lack of job opportunities and strong familial ties all contribute to Spanish youth living at home much later than youth of other cultures. 

Although there are many differences in family dynamics between Spanish and American cultures, it is simply not possible to compare the two societies. The differences in upbringings create individuals with distinct experiences, values and beliefs which ultimately make each culture unique.