Costa Rica Family Life
Family Structure
Costa Ricans greatly value family tradition and their heritage. Most Costa Rican families only live with their immediate families, however some families prefer to live with their extended families, who commonly live in rural areas. Larger families are more tight-knit, and spend lots of time together. Although smaller families don't usually spend as much time together, all families usually gather on Sundays.
Parents and Children
- At around age six or seven, children start working. Boys pick coffee or assist with construction work, while girls are taught to help with housework.
- Grandparents, usually the grandmothers, help raise the children.
- Some children live with their parents until marriage, but this practice has become less common.
Gender Roles
- Traditionally, women would work at home while men would work in plantations or more urban areas.
- Today, more women are seeking higher education and are entering the labor force.
- Maiden names are usually retained by women when they marry.
Interesting Facts
- Large families are very common. Many families have about eight children.
- It's common for several generations to live together.
- Even with large families, most Costa Rican houses are only one story tall.