Cultural Elements
(Religion, Social, Aesthetics, Belief Systems, Education, Politics, & Economics)
Additional Sources:
http://www.livescience.com/44376-italian-culture.html
This website would be very valuable towards research done on the cultural elements of Italy. This website touches on all key elements including Art and Aesthetics, Economics, Education, Politics, Social Aspects, and Religion. This website gives an overview on these elements which is important for going into more depth with later research. The website is very easy to follow, making the information easy to learn and understand. http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Italy.html This website would also be very valuable to further research on the cultural and social development of Italy. This article goes more in depth about each of the cultural elements. There are also very good images on this website that helps visualize these cultural elements. Seeing quality pictures helps grasp a better understanding of the information being presented. This website touches on all the cultural elements in Italy, making it a very strong article. |
Wine Throughout ItalyAbove is map that shows the most popular types of wine in different areas of Italy. Wine in Italy falls under the social aspects cultural element. This is because wine in Italy is used to bring family together. Depending on your location in Italy is what determines the kind of wine that is most popular and drunk most often there. Wine is a big part of Italy's culture because they are known as one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.
Puckette, M. (2013, August 16). Map of Italian Wine Regions | Wine Folly. Retrieved October 6, 2015, from http://winefolly.com/review/italian-wine-regions-map/ |
Statistics From: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html
Figure 1: Median Age in years in Italy (In 1950 & Predictions in 2050)
Above in figure 1, represents the median age in Italy and how it has changed between 1950 and how it will continue to change until 2050. In the 1950s the median age was much lower because of economic struggle and health reasons. There were high unemployment rates that caused may Italian families to suffer. In addition to economic downfall, there was no technology for health like resources like there is today. By clicking play on this interactive map, it showed that as the years go on, median age will continue to rise because of advancements in technology. With advancements in technology, there are more ways to save lives to those who are sick and to new borns who needs additional care in order to survive.
Figure 2: Total GDP Difference Between 1960 & 2011
Above are two different graphs representing the Total GDP (Gross Domestic Profit) in Italy in 1960 and 2011. In the 1960s there were fewer jobs than there were now due to the high unemployment rates during that time. As years passed and inflation increased, average yearly incomes began to increase also. More jobs became available to the public and inflation also had an impact on the increase in wages as well. There were fewer jobs in this time because the country was not as educated, leaving less jobs for people to do. As technology increased, more advanced jobs became available with higher wages which also explains why GDP in Italy continued to increase over the years.
Religion in Italy
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Societal Role: |
For the past 1,500 years, the Roman Catholic Church has been the primary religion in Italy. After doing further research, it was found that the Reformation had very little effect on the country other than small areas in north. Most of the Italian population today belongs to the Roman Catholic Church (Italy Church). Italy is known to be a Christian country, where about 88% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. Although only about one third of this percentage are considered "active" in religious practice (Religion). Even though Italy is primarily known for being a Christian country, there are other religious groups that exist including, "Over 1m Muslims, 700,000 Eastern Orthodox Christians, 550,000 evangelical Protestants, 235,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses, 45,000 Jews, and the Waldensian Evangelical Church" (Religion).
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The role of Catholic religion plays a very significant role in social development and culture of Italy. There are seven themes that fall under this social development that include (Seven):
1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person 2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation 3. Rights and Responsibilities 4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable 5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers 6. Solidarity 7. Care for God's Creation The ideas listed above are shown in Italy through religious practice. All of these values support the idea that human life is sacred and that those under the Catholic religion should be doing things for the common good. These teachings have become part of the cultural norm related to religious beliefs. The themes have become apart of the cultural norm in Italy because of how they teach the people the importance of religion today. |
Sacred Places: Today Italy filled with over 2000 year's worth of holy places (Italy). There are many shrines and churches located all throughout Rome and the Vatican City. The holy days of the Roman Catholic Church that are celebrated include - Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and Immaculate Conception. Appearances by the Pope are very common, making religious ceremonies very frequent. One of the most common relics is the one of Saint Peter. In addition to Saint Peter, there are many other sites where the Virgin Mary is reused to have appeared. Different religious blessings between families are done on regional feast days and weekly masses. These blessings are also done at other rituals such as various rosary rituals and sodalities.
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Government and Religion: Italy is known for having a long Catholic tradition, yet today majority of Italians do not participate in regular religious practices. Public schools post crucifixes, yet most Italians see the church as a political force (Boston). Many Italians hold liberal social views, so with abortion and divorce legal today, that appears to clash with the conservative views of the Catholic Doctrine (Boston). It seems as though the people of Italy still respect the church today, but disregard the cultural history of what the relationship between government and religion used to be. However, other religions are able to organize themselves as they please as long as they do not have direct interference with the Italian juridical organization.
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The role of religion in Italy today does not appear to be as valued as it once was. The fact that only about a third of those who claim to be religious even partake in religious practice, is very surprising to me. After doing much research on the history of religion in Italy, it is interesting to see how the demand of different religious rituals has gone down. Cultural norms have changed in Italy over time, which has caused impact on the connections between government and religion. However there are still many sacred holy places left in Italy where those who still participate in religious beliefs are able to do so.
Map of European Religions
Above is a map that shows the various religions located throughout Europe; notice how Italy is a completely Roman Catholic country.
http://sekoyasivo.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html
http://sekoyasivo.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html
Loss of Cultural Diversity in Italy
Italy's modern day culture is currently experiencing a loss of cultural diversity as they are still struggling with the idea of immigration. Like many of their European neighbors, there has been conflict over immigration in their country. This has a significant impact on Italy because majority of the population consists of only Italians. The country's southern border has made Italy a very easy target for immigrants that are considered undocumented (Hamilton). Still today immigration laws remain very strict which causes regional conflict in those in search of work in Italy from other countries. Italy has been affected by this conflict due to the overloaded ships that continue to come from the shores of Albania Turkey (Hamilton). As time goes on, increases in immigration continues to rise which will leads Italy to witness the process of naturalization which brings more changes in diversity. Many people will marry an Italian citizen in order to become one themselves, spreading more cultural diversity throughout the country.
With cultural diversity and biodiversity being very closely linked, this creates conflict with land ownership throughout the country. Immigration is a newer found idea that started in the 1970s in Italy with the number of immigrants almost doubling every ten years. The highest increase in immigration is located in the less developed areas where it is easier for people to survive because of cheaper land and resources (Italy:4.2). Italy still puts in effort to preserve the cultures in their country my limiting the amount of immigrants that are allowed to enter, but their main focus is still on the solely Italian culture. Again this raises much conflict throughout the region.
With immigration policies becoming more strict, it is predicted that the population in a few years in Italy will decrease due to the block of immigrants let in the country. Ethnic Italians form about 97% of the population, where small ethnic minorities make up the rest of the population (Italy 2015). Because Italy's views on immigration are still very similar today, further proves that there is a cultural diversity issue in the country because the the Italian's are not open to other cultures (Every Culture). Without being open to these other cultures, it makes it more difficult to understand the ways of other countries creating unwanted conflict. In addition, if Italy was more open to these cultures, they have the potential to learn different ideas to make their country stronger as a whole.
With cultural diversity and biodiversity being very closely linked, this creates conflict with land ownership throughout the country. Immigration is a newer found idea that started in the 1970s in Italy with the number of immigrants almost doubling every ten years. The highest increase in immigration is located in the less developed areas where it is easier for people to survive because of cheaper land and resources (Italy:4.2). Italy still puts in effort to preserve the cultures in their country my limiting the amount of immigrants that are allowed to enter, but their main focus is still on the solely Italian culture. Again this raises much conflict throughout the region.
With immigration policies becoming more strict, it is predicted that the population in a few years in Italy will decrease due to the block of immigrants let in the country. Ethnic Italians form about 97% of the population, where small ethnic minorities make up the rest of the population (Italy 2015). Because Italy's views on immigration are still very similar today, further proves that there is a cultural diversity issue in the country because the the Italian's are not open to other cultures (Every Culture). Without being open to these other cultures, it makes it more difficult to understand the ways of other countries creating unwanted conflict. In addition, if Italy was more open to these cultures, they have the potential to learn different ideas to make their country stronger as a whole.
Regions of Italy
Even though the various regions make up one solid Italian culture, each region provides a unique and individualistic role to the culture. This individuality is what brings conflict throughout the whole country itself.
http://www.understandingitaly.com/regions.html
http://www.understandingitaly.com/regions.html
Food in Italy
One of the most popular types of food in Italy would be all the various types of pasta. These types of pasta include but are not limited to: spaghetti, penne, rigatoni and linguine. I would include these types of pasta with Italy because pasta originated in Italy and is still very popular all over the world today. Another well-known dish throughout Italy would be pizza. Pizza is very similar to pasta because both include tomato sauce and cheese. This combination was very popular throughout Italy in earlier generations, and is still equally popular today. In addition to this food, Italy is also very well-known for their love of wine. Various types of wine are made throughout different parts of Italy based on geographical location and ingredients available.
Popular Dish in Italy: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Cook: 55 min.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Recipe from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hearty-homemade-spaghetti-sauce
Popular Dish in Italy: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Cook: 55 min.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Hot cooked spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- In a large skillet, cook the beef, peppers, celery, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Add the mushrooms; cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, bay leaf, sugar, salt, basil, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring often. Discard bay leaf. Serve sauce over spaghetti. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Recipe from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hearty-homemade-spaghetti-sauce
Religion and Food in Italy
The biggest connection between food and religion in Italy would be the way it brings everyone together for various religious celebrations or ceremonies. On Easter, roasted lamb is a very popular holiday dish. Chocolate eggs are also given as gifts to help celebrate the holiday. Italy uses food as a way to bring people together on other holidays too including Christmas also.
Food exports are very popular in Italy because of their geographical location. Many foods that are grown in Italy consist of apples, oranges, peaches, garlic, and rice. Farmers raise many of the popular farm animals which include chickens, goats, cattle, and pigs. Wheat is used to make the main dishes such as pasta and pizza as mentioned above. Wheat is probably the most popular throughout all of Italy because of this reason.
Food exports are very popular in Italy because of their geographical location. Many foods that are grown in Italy consist of apples, oranges, peaches, garlic, and rice. Farmers raise many of the popular farm animals which include chickens, goats, cattle, and pigs. Wheat is used to make the main dishes such as pasta and pizza as mentioned above. Wheat is probably the most popular throughout all of Italy because of this reason.
Picture Sources:
- http://www.lifeinitaly.com/religion/default.asp
- http://www.shipsofhagoth.com/2013/05/a-mormon-at-the-vatican/
- https://www.pinterest.com/explore/vintage-italian/
- http://www.123rf.com/photo_26878438_milan-italy--march-22-teulie-military-school-cadets-take-part-in-the-traditional-oath-ceremony-on-ma.html
- http://www.meetup.com/fr/DCitalian/events/15755442/
- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2533341/Italian-artist-Marco-Sodano-pixelates-famous-paintings-using-Lego.html
- http://italianpaintings.org
- http://www.cliccamuseo.org/david/
- http://milanozine.com/studentlife/studying/general-info/
- http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MHc93XdE6DI/hqdefault.jpg
- http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0330/379091-italian-president-rules-out-early-exit-plan/
- http://www.dw.com/en/italian-government-survives-confidence-vote-after-berlusconi-backtracks/a-17132079
- http://bucks.happeningmag.com/carlow-cookery-italian-cooking/
- http://picturesofmoney.org/category/italian-money/
- http://www.falconecoins.com
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/the-pope/10447007/Pope-Francis-may-be-at-risk-from-Italian-mafia.html
- http://www.readingtree.org/top-10-biggest-churches-in-the-world/
- http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2013/nov/18/st-peters-bones-christian-relics