Family Kinship and Descent

The families in El Salvador are close and tight. In most cases the father in the family is the authority figure who makes the big
decisions for the household. Both parents shoulder the responsibility of raising their children, however things do not always turn
out how they are supposed to
MI FAMILIA
The way things operate this way is
because of machismo, where society
paints a picture of the man being the
dominant role model figure who
shoulders the burden of keeping his
family safe and behaving in a matter
where he would show no feminine
characteristics.
The picture that is painted for women is
that of which she is respondent to her
husband and children while prioritizing
the needs of them over her own.
Many families cannot afford to send all
their kids to school and end up picking
the oldest male child. Children are
expected to work in order to support
their families.
Father
Head of family who provides
for the family.
Male Child
Priority on education
Female
Child
Considered second for
priority on education
Children
Show respect to authority
Mother
Domestic reposibilities (Cooking,
cleaning, stay at home mother)
SHARING ORIGIN STORIES
PIPILS (CUZCATLECS )
Before the Spanish arrived to South America,
the indigenous Pipil lived there.
The Pipil are descendants of Nahua and Aztec
Tribes.
Nawat is the language Pipils speak.
Human sacrifice was major component of their
religion.
A small group of Pipil still speak their native
language and practice their traditions.
KINSHIP AND DESCENT
Religion and social status are the building blocks
of social network groups in Salvadoran society.
El Salvadorans are of Mayan and Spanish
descent. Mayans relate back to Pipils and the
Spanish added to the mix.
Kin groups are pivotal in families. The extended
family is allowed to support their kin with food,
housing, education and clothing. Grandparents
support the grand children, parents support their
children and siblings support other siblings.

Popping the question
But which method is right for me?
FORMAL MARRIAGE
The marriage takes place in a church with an
authority figure overseeing the operation.
Religious ceremonies are common but can only be
conducted after the civil ceremonies.

This type of marriage usually happens when the
couple have children and decide to marry.
Divorce is frowned upon and is for the
most part labeled as permanent,
however there are ways around it.

Divorce requires a separation
and a cause for it to take place
and be considered.
INFORMAL MARRIAGE
Usually amongst the poor, the couple can
set up a household and get married
without having neither a civil or church
service.
Contrasting the formal marriage, this
alternate method is easily disbanded as
religion (Catholic/Evangelist Church does
not tolerate divorce) did not oversee the
operation.
Without having to go though much trouble
for divorce, infidelity rises often resulting
from the husband.
RELIGION
There are a number of different religions in El Salvador. Majority of the population are Christian with the two major
denominations being Roman Catholic and Evangelicals. The rest of the religions in El Salvador are small groups of Jews, Muslims,
Mormons, and Buddhists (accounting for less than half of the religious population).
Cultural
Systems:
Rituals,
Practices, and
Traditions
There is a strong
Catholic presence in El
Salvador, however
Evangelism is rising and
is beginning to rival the
influence of the
Catholics. Despite the
vast amount of
religions practiced,
establishing a
relationship with
someone with another
religion is simple.
Religious practices and
rites of passage are the
cultural norm,
baptisms,
confirmations, and
celebrations
commemorating the
patron saints are hold
significance in many of
El Salvadors cities and
towns.
Religion is a big part of
the culture. Churches of
the respective religions
are scattered all over El
Salvador. Ritualistic
attendance of church is
a commonality
especially among
women.