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Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust
Chile - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
Chile is a land of contrast and surprise, flanked by the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Andes to the east, the forbidding salt basins of the Atacama Desert to the north—with a verdant Central Valley and Cape Horn at its southern extremity. The Chilean people, too, are on one hand reserved, family-oriented, Catholic, and conservative; and on the other fun-loving, entrepreneurial, neoliberal, and modern. Their geographical isolation from the rest of the world, their colonial past, and the near 20years of repression under the military dictatorship of General Pinochet have had a profound influence on their character. Today, traditional Chilean values are being questioned by the younger generation. In fact, the country’s position as the Latin American stronghold of Catholicism is being challenged by Chileans of all generations, and pressure has led to unprecedented changes in family and censorship law. Chile is also one of the fastest-growing economies in South America, and thanks to ambitious structural reforms, has sharply reduced its poverty rate in the past few years. Culture Smart! Chile provides vital information on what to expect and how to behave in this complex and dynamic society.
- GenresTravel
168 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2006
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January 20, 2022Wide-ranging guidebook on Chilean customs, society, and history, read in preparation of a potential first-time visit. A few highlights:
“Today, Chile has the most stable economy in Latin America: it is modern, competitive, and operates in a relatively transparent and efficient framework. Despite these gains, some Chileans condemn the overwhelming presence of foreign investors, who, they maintain, have no concern for local communities or the environment.”
“The Chilean state controls the world's largest copper reserves. Nationalization, though, is the exception rather than the rule, in a country where foreign investors control some of the most important revenue-generating industries, such as telecommunications, fishing, and timber.”
“In the 1970s and 1980s… it is estimated that more than 800,000 Chileans left the country either in exile or to escape the harshness of Pinochet's dictatorship.”
“Human rights abuses were accompanied by harsh economic policies. Determined to revive the economy, Pinochet imposed a program based on free competition, privatization, and cuts in public spending, welfare, and state subsidies. This shift to a free-market economy was executed by the so-called "Chicago Boys," a group of young Chilean economists who had studied at the University of Chicago, the then center of neoliberal economic theory. During the first decade, Chile’s economic performance improved substantially, but at a high social cost. Unemployment, for example, rose by over 300 percent, and poverty increased, in particular in the urban shantytowns.”
“The sixteen years of dictatorship changed Chile profoundly… Although not all Chileans were directly affected by the repression, the climate of fear changed people's behavior. Evening curfews made nightlife accessible almost exclusively to those who had connections with the regime and could gain entry to the few establishments authorized to stay open. Street life was reduced to a minimum, and people became much less talkative and spontaneous. Friends met at home rather than outside, and Chilean hospitality was restrained by fear. Finally, class divisions were exacerbated. The neoliberal economic model contributed further to the erosion of traditional communal ties, encouraging individualism, competition, and ultimately a consumerist society. On the other hand, the challenges posed by the regime fostered a
sense of solidarity within the family or among close friends. Since the return of democracy, Chile has seen the emergence of new, wider forms of social solidarity, especially in defense of the victims of the dictatorship and support for the poor.”
“Chile is a predominantly Catholic country. As in
other former Spanish colonies, Roman Catholicism
was introduced in the sixteenth century and since
then the Chilean Church has been extremely powerful and a faithful ally of the traditional elite. This alliance has helped make Chile one of the most conservative countries in Latin America and a stronghold of Catholicism.”
“The Mapuche ("People of the Land"), or Araucanos, as they were called by the Spaniards, are the largest indigenous group in Chile (official statistics estimates it at 600,000 people)… They resisted the Spaniards ferociously. Although never defeated, they ended up signing a very unfavorable treaty, and gradually lost almost all their land. Now largely marginalized and impoverished, the Mapuche are often the victims of prejudice and abuse.”
“In 1997, the year that brought an end to the myth of perpetual growth, Chile entered a period of challenge that continues to this day. Lack of competitiveness and a series of external factors, such as the Asian and Brazilian financial
crises, 9/11, world recession, and finally the Argentine devaluation, combined to drag the country into a dramatic slowdown. The rise in unemployment and job insecurity signaled that Chile's neoliberal system could not protect its citizens from the vagaries of the market. Above all, and despite many promises, much more needed to be done to achieve a truly egalitarian society, in particular in education, job security, and housing.”
“Today, Chile has the most stable economy in Latin America: it is modern, competitive, and operates in a relatively transparent and efficient framework. Despite these gains, some Chileans condemn the overwhelming presence of foreign investors, who, they maintain, have no concern for local communities or the environment.”
“The Chilean state controls the world's largest copper reserves. Nationalization, though, is the exception rather than the rule, in a country where foreign investors control some of the most important revenue-generating industries, such as telecommunications, fishing, and timber.”
“In the 1970s and 1980s… it is estimated that more than 800,000 Chileans left the country either in exile or to escape the harshness of Pinochet's dictatorship.”
“Human rights abuses were accompanied by harsh economic policies. Determined to revive the economy, Pinochet imposed a program based on free competition, privatization, and cuts in public spending, welfare, and state subsidies. This shift to a free-market economy was executed by the so-called "Chicago Boys," a group of young Chilean economists who had studied at the University of Chicago, the then center of neoliberal economic theory. During the first decade, Chile’s economic performance improved substantially, but at a high social cost. Unemployment, for example, rose by over 300 percent, and poverty increased, in particular in the urban shantytowns.”
“The sixteen years of dictatorship changed Chile profoundly… Although not all Chileans were directly affected by the repression, the climate of fear changed people's behavior. Evening curfews made nightlife accessible almost exclusively to those who had connections with the regime and could gain entry to the few establishments authorized to stay open. Street life was reduced to a minimum, and people became much less talkative and spontaneous. Friends met at home rather than outside, and Chilean hospitality was restrained by fear. Finally, class divisions were exacerbated. The neoliberal economic model contributed further to the erosion of traditional communal ties, encouraging individualism, competition, and ultimately a consumerist society. On the other hand, the challenges posed by the regime fostered a
sense of solidarity within the family or among close friends. Since the return of democracy, Chile has seen the emergence of new, wider forms of social solidarity, especially in defense of the victims of the dictatorship and support for the poor.”
“Chile is a predominantly Catholic country. As in
other former Spanish colonies, Roman Catholicism
was introduced in the sixteenth century and since
then the Chilean Church has been extremely powerful and a faithful ally of the traditional elite. This alliance has helped make Chile one of the most conservative countries in Latin America and a stronghold of Catholicism.”
“The Mapuche ("People of the Land"), or Araucanos, as they were called by the Spaniards, are the largest indigenous group in Chile (official statistics estimates it at 600,000 people)… They resisted the Spaniards ferociously. Although never defeated, they ended up signing a very unfavorable treaty, and gradually lost almost all their land. Now largely marginalized and impoverished, the Mapuche are often the victims of prejudice and abuse.”
“In 1997, the year that brought an end to the myth of perpetual growth, Chile entered a period of challenge that continues to this day. Lack of competitiveness and a series of external factors, such as the Asian and Brazilian financial
crises, 9/11, world recession, and finally the Argentine devaluation, combined to drag the country into a dramatic slowdown. The rise in unemployment and job insecurity signaled that Chile's neoliberal system could not protect its citizens from the vagaries of the market. Above all, and despite many promises, much more needed to be done to achieve a truly egalitarian society, in particular in education, job security, and housing.”
October 21, 2021
The Pinochet dictatorship from 1973 to 1990 resulted in many mysterious deaths of activists. There was a lot of rejoicing upon his death, but a small percentage of the population was still loyal to him.
Chilean people tend to be more reserved than other South American countries.
A third of the population lives in Santiago.
Businesses in Santiago tend to be more international, more punctual, and more likely to speak English. Businesses are businesses outside of Santiago are wary of being taken advantage by foreigners, but also are excited about the potential opportunities.
A woman president was elected (twice!). They have 4-year terms.
People tend to socialize at each other's homes. They cook at home more and rarely go to restaurants. They do not drink together as a form of business bonding.
The Chileans like to spend lots of time with families. Friends see each other often and meet each other's families.
Copper is a big export. The Chilean economy is strong.
There is not much coffee or tea drinking. The national alcoholic drink is pisco sour.
Chilean people tend to be more reserved than other South American countries.
A third of the population lives in Santiago.
Businesses in Santiago tend to be more international, more punctual, and more likely to speak English. Businesses are businesses outside of Santiago are wary of being taken advantage by foreigners, but also are excited about the potential opportunities.
A woman president was elected (twice!). They have 4-year terms.
People tend to socialize at each other's homes. They cook at home more and rarely go to restaurants. They do not drink together as a form of business bonding.
The Chileans like to spend lots of time with families. Friends see each other often and meet each other's families.
Copper is a big export. The Chilean economy is strong.
There is not much coffee or tea drinking. The national alcoholic drink is pisco sour.
February 25, 2019
This was read in preparation for my daughter to serve as a missionary there for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was written for tourists and businesses to be able to navigate the culture, but worked well to understand general cultural norms in the country. I loved how it was organized.
September 11, 2018
A brief guide to the customs, culture, and traditions of Chile. This is a useful tool for anyone who will be traveling to or working in that country. Politics are also very briefly discussed as is religion.
January 14, 2023
This book about Chile was excellent. Great reminder of things that I forgot from my personal experience or the research that I have done. Highly recommended.
November 6, 2012
Quick and informative, just like I like it.
January 8, 2015
Well-written and balanced and doesn't shy away from the darker parts of Chilean history.
April 21, 2016
Good info to have
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews