Analysis of British and Italian Culture - Essay Example

Analysis of British and Italian Culture The British The British are the people who live in the United Kingdom that includes England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The British could be either English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish (British people, 1999). According to the 2001 government census, the United Kingdom's population was 58,789,194-- the third largest in the European Union and the 21st-largest in the world. However, this figure has risen to 59,834,900 according to July 2004 estimates. Moreover, its overall population density is one of the highest in the world. Almost one-third of the population lives in England's prosperous and fertile southeast and is mainly urban and suburban--with about 7.2 million in the capital of London with an average income of 408 per week (Demographic of the UK, 2005). 1st July 2004 population distribution estimates by UK National Statistics (Demographic of the UK, 2005) Part Population % England 50,093,800 83.7 Scotland 5,078,400 8.5 Wales 2,952,500 4.9 Northern Ireland 1,710,300 2.9 United Kingdom 59,834,900 100.00 The most plentiful age groups are the 5-year group born in the years 1946-51 (the post-World War II baby boom); the baby boom born a generation later in 1961-66 (the largest group of all); and a more modest boom a generation after that, born in 1986-91. The 1946-51 group reaches retirement age from 2006 onwards (women from 2006 and men from 2011), The age groups are not evenly distributed around the country, with some areas having many young adults and children and some areas having large numbers of older people (Demographic of the UK, 2005). Age group distribution (Demographic of the UK, 2005) Age group Male Female % 0-14 5,560,489 5,293,871 18.0 15-64 20,193,876 19,736,516 66.3 65+ 4,027,721 5,458,235 15.7 The United Kingdom has a high literacy rate of 99%. This is due to the universal public education introduced for the primary level in 1870 and secondary level in 1900 (except in Scotland where it was introduced in 1696). Education is mandatory amongst ages 5 through 16. About one-fifth of British students continue on to post-secondary education (18+) (Demographic of the UK, 2005) The British society is divided into three main groups of classes - the Upper Class, the Middle Class, and the Lower or Working Class. Multiculturalism and a changing economy are slowly diminishing the British class system, although features of the system remain. The Upper Classes consist of people with inherited wealth, and includes some of the oldest families, with many of them being titled aristocrats. The Middle Classes are the majority and the working classes are those who work in agriculture, mine, or factory (Social Class, 1999). In 2000 survey, 60 per cent of the population claimed to belong to a specific religion with 55 per cent being Christian. However, half of all adults aged 18 and over, who belonged to a religion have never attended a religious service. The report also found out that 48% of people in the UK claim to belong to a religion, compared with 92% of Italians (Crabtree, 2003). The traditional religion in the United Kingdom is Christianity. In England the established church is the Church of England (Anglican) whilst in Scotland it is the Church of Scotland (a Presbyterian Church) Christians comprises 71.6% of the religious groups, Muslims 2.7 %, Hindu 1.0%, Sikh 0.6%, Jewish 0.5 %, Buddhist 0.3%, others 0.3%, and non stated 7.3% (Demographic of the UK, 2005). The Italians Italy's greatest asset is its people: the sociable, appealing, Italians that seem to know how to do everything bigger and better. They love their food, their families, their music and their heritage. Italians radiate confidence, charisma and hospitality (Estes, n.d.). Italy is largely homogeneous linguistically and religiously but is varied culturally, economically, and politically. Italy has the fifth-highest population density in Europe - about 194 persons per square kilometre. Italy has a population of 58,462,375 (December 2004), males comprising 28,419,070 and females comprising 29,683,963. Average person per family is 2.60 (Demographic of Italy, 2005) Population age structure (Demographic of Italy, 2005): 0-14 years: 14, 3% (male 4,181,946; female 3,935,565) 15-64 years: 66.9% (male 19,590,497; female 19,256,747) 65 years and over: 18, 9% (male 4,608,479; female 6,484,243) Italy has a literacy rate of 98.6 % and most 15 year old and above can read and write. There are just two classes in Italy: the working class and the non-working class.The North, consisting of 40 per cent of the population has an average per capita income of $23,000 (USD), while the South, also with 40 per cent of the population, has an average income of only $12,000 (USD) (Ash, 2004). Most of Italians are Roman Catholics and this has affected their life including art and architecture. There are numerous monuments and paintings, as well as local traditions, which are based on Christian celebrations and the lives of the saints. For Italians, Easter and Christmas are joyously planned for and observed by feasts, sweets, decorations, plays, and of course, elaborate gifts (Estes, n.d.). Although Roman Catholicism is the majority religion - 85% of native-born citizens are nominally Catholic - there are mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community (Demographic of Italy, 2005). Monochronic and polychronic cultures In the context of Edward T. Hall's theory on monochronic and polychronic culture, the British people are more compatible with the description of a monochronic culture whilst Italian people fits the description of a polychromic culture. In British society, as well as in any other monochronic culture, time and schedule is very important. The schedule orders their lives. Time is tangible; it is something that can be seen and controlled. Monochronic culture is also evident in U.S. and Canada, where is viewed as the only logical way to organize daily life. Everything is on a schedule that they must follow. On the other hand, Italian culture, as well as in any polychromic culture, time is flexible and less tangible. An emphasis is placed on personal interaction rather than the schedule. Several tasks may be handled at once, rather than scheduled and then performed in later (Confederation College, 1998). Business culture Most British rely on scheduler and are lost without this essential business tool. The scheduler provides order and control in their business transactions and their personal life. Punctuality is an essential part of a British work life. Time is so essential to monochronic culture that it is used to measure success. Most British keep their work and personal lives separated all the time. In contrast to the Italians, British handle business transactions less personally. Furthermore, close relationships are prohibited in the workplace, as this tends to merge personal life with work. In the UK, business people speak more of their sales per month than personal lives (Confederation College, 1998). On the other hand, Italian people prefer to complete a task even if it takes longer than originally planned. They are used to setting aside the schedule because it is viewed as an estimation of how the available time may be used. Personal time and work time are often tangled. Business meetings are often interrupted due to personal matters. However, once the personal matters have been resolved, then the meeting can resume (concept of time). Italian business people prefer to deal with people they know, even if that acquaintance has been a perfunctory handshake at a trade fair. Italian hospitality plays an important role in business life and most often means dining in a restaurant. Italians like to get acquainted and engage in small talk before getting down to business. Dining is a serious business, and real prestige can be gained or lost at the table (Balmert, 2001). Custom and family life The family in Britain is ever changing. The once typical British family headed by two parents has undergone considerable changes during the twentieth century. There has been a rise in the number of single-person households, which increased from 18 to 29 per cent of all households between 1971 and 2002. Today, British views on marriage are also changing. Many couples, mostly in their twenties or thirties, live together (cohabit) without getting married. Only about 60% of these couples will eventually get married. On the average 2.4 people live as a family in one home Britain. This is smaller than most other European countries (Family life, 1999). The British are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are famous for their politeness, self-discipline and especially for their sense of humour. British people have a strong sense of humour, which sometimes can be hard for foreigners to understand (British people, 1999). On the other hand, Italians are lively, sociable and have a dedication for everything they do. They are proud of their family life and having more children makes them more proud. They express emotions more freely and are not afraid to give hugs, kisses, and other displays of affection. Italians love to laugh and talk loudly, usually emphasizing everything with hand gestures. They are quick to welcome strangers into their towns and homes, and are always ready to share a meal or a story, a good joke or a song (Estes, n.d.). Italians pattern of behaviours are also distinct from that of the British. Permissiveness index of behavior pattern (Ulaga, 2005) Behaviour British Italian Divorse 496 499 Adultery 252 276 Fiscal Fraud 269 185 Travel without ticket 205 166 Corruption 161 195 Use of drugs 173 144 Average perm. Index 262 238 Note: A high score represents a high degree of permissiveness Adapted from J.C. Stoezel: permissiveness index of 22 behavior pattern Leisure activities The weekends are family day for most British. Often the parents are not at work after having worked a five-day week from Monday to Friday. Saturdays are busy times for shops with many families going shopping. Sundays used to be a very special day of the week in Britain. It was the one day of the week for worship and rest (Weekends, 1999). The most common leisure activity for the British is watching television. The average viewing time is 25 hours per person per week. Almost all households have at least one television set. British listen to an average 15 hours and 50 minutes of radio each week. The second most popular activity for the British is visiting or entertaining friends or relations. Eating out also has grown in popularity, with British people spending in 1999 an average of 5.63 per person per week on food (excluding alcohol) outside the home (Weekends, 1999). Italians also work hard and enjoy their leisure time. It is common for the Italians to work five full days and then a half day on Saturday, but unlike the British, Italians will take a long lunch break each day, often going home and spending several hours eating and resting, before returning to work for several more. In the evenings, hearty meals are adoringly prepared and savored, and the people can often be found strolling and socializing late into the evening (Estes, n.d.). Food is everything for the Italians. Italian food is an extension of the rich, fertile fields and seashore that are such a part of the people. Seafood, veal, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, and of course, pasta, is prepared with spices, sauces, and tender loving care. Strong coffee and decadent layered desserts are staples of each meal. Mealtime is not rushed; fast food is a foreign concept. Italians, as with all things, enjoy their food, and enjoy the social interaction that is such a part of sharing a good meal (Estes, n.d.). Reference List Ash, Michael. (2004). ITALY:Agri-Food Trade Synopsis [online]. Available from: [07 Dec. 2005]. Balmert, Margaret. (2001). BUSINESS ETIQUETTE [online].Available from: [07 Dec. 2005]. Bellucci, Matt. (2005). what is the issue [online]. Available from : [07 Dec. 2005]. British people [online]. (1999). Mandy Barrow. Available from:http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/index/people.htm [07 Dec. 2005} Confederation College. (1998). Concept of Time [online]. Confederation College. Available from:. [07 De. 2005]. Crabtree, Vexen. (2003). Religion in Britain [online]. Available from: [07 Dec. 2005]. Demographics of the United Kingdom. (2005). Wikipedia. Available from:[07 Dec. 2005]. Demographics of Italy. (2005). Wikipedia. Available from: [07 De. 2005]. Estes, Paulla. (n.d.). Italy's Finest Resource: Its People [online]. 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