The+Italian+family+today+6

Often students have already formulated expectations about Italian families, whether consciously or unconsciously, perhaps based on their friends’ experiences or on their own Italo-American backgrounds. The Italy they encounter upon arrival can be quite surprising. Just as American society changed drastically during the 1960s and 70s, Italian society, too, has seen major social changes over the past few decades, changes that brought both advantages and problems. The increase in women working outside the home, the number of   young people who seek higher education, and the legalization of divorce have all caused profound changes within the family structure. Yet family values are still the focus of Italian society, and the Italian family has remained a very close social unit. Whether married, single or divorced, all Italians tend to maintain very strong links with their parents, adult children, and other relatives. Often generations share housing; grown children or elderly parents may live with your hosts. Even if they do not share a home, extended families may eat lunch (//pranzo//) and/or dinner (//cena//) together every day. Elderly parents are respected and looked after, sometimes on a daily basis, whether they live at home with their children or   independently.
 * The Italian Family Today**

**The Italian Mother** Although roles have changed for women in Italy, the mother remains the dominant figure in   the Italian home. She typically runs every aspect of domestic life, and you may see her helping her family in ways you consider excessive or unnecessary. To American eyes, it may seem that Italian mothers spoil their children and husbands, or sacrifice too much to please every member of the family. Especially if the mother also works outside the home, the Italian family dynamic can seem unfair and unbalanced. However, Italians themselves believe that it   is the mother who keeps the family together, who creates and maintains the familial links, who is the bond that unifies all members. She, in turn, knows she can depend on the rest of   her family in her time of need. Generally speaking, the role of mother and home maker is a   much respected position in Italian society