COLOMBIAN`S COLTURE VS SOUTH AFRICAN`S CULTURE

Are we really different?

       

To begin with, it should be noted that the differences between South African and Colombian culture are not only cultural, since since colonization, the processes of each country have been different. This is reflected in the economy, in the way of life and especially in gender roles. The first difference that can be noticed in general terms is the freedom that women have. On the one hand, in Colombia, women can work just like men. On the other hand, in South Africa women are mostly engaged in agricultural work and family care, since it is the man who works. This, originates another difference, and it is the educational level, because in South Africa men are the ones who have more possibilities to attend a school or university. In Colombia, on the other hand, both women and men have the same chances of receiving an education. There are also big differences in the customs of daily life. For example, in Colombia, women have a greater degree of freedom of expression and this allows them to wear any type of clothing. But on the other hand, in South Africa, women do not have this freedom, so usually women wear dresses, long skirts and clothes that cover most of their body. In short, South African women are almost always considered as objects, for which they must pay a dowry in order to be able to marry, and they must accept whatever their husband imposes on them, including accepting polygamy.The opposite is true in Colombia, where such customs are mostly not allowed. Finally, the role of the man is almost universal, since he will always be the one who works and has the most freedom and rights, regardless of the culture he belongs to.