Introduction
Italy is the country of origin for Italians; it has a mostly native-born Italian population with small immigrant groups. The racialethnic identity is Italian, and racial discrimination inside Italy against Italians is not a significant issue. Italians primarily speak their national language – Italian – and the preferred language for communication in the home and other locations is Italian. The country’s traditional views of gender roles and age structures affect verbal communication. Men are perceived as leaders in the family, increasing their authority in health-related matters; nevertheless, all individuals communicate openly (Zimmerman & Gordon, 2022). There is no need to use interpreters in the reviewed scenario. Nonverbal communication is a significant part of message delivery – hand gestures and eye contact are used to show emotion.
Discussion
Italians uphold traditionalist beliefs, where men and women have different roles of successful career growth, family, and child care. Although women in Italy actively participate in the workforce, child care and household duties are primarily assigned to them (Minello et al., 2020). Views on sexuality and modesty differ greatly depending on age, with younger generations being more open to sexual education (Minello et al., 2020). Having a close-knit relationship with extended family is socially accepted as the norm. Italian workers are success-driven and competitive, although leisure is also vital in reaching the work-life balance. Tertiary education is viewed as extremely important, and high-skill occupations are considered respectable.
Child-rearing and socialization are based on early social participation, personal freedom, and family involvement. Italians have strong family relationships and friendships, usually developing a robust social network. Elders are treated with respect, and it is common for younger generations to look after older family members (Zimmerman & Gordon, 2022). Authority is an admirable feature inside family structures, but the view of governmental institutions is less traditional and more democratic. Much emphasis is placed on one’s appearance and presentation – it is the norm to dress fashionably to showcase status and success.
Italians do not have any particular genetic predispositions to illnesses. No socioculturally associated diseases or genetic conditions are identified (Sazzini et al., 2020). Italians also do not have any specific ideas about body parts and their functions, and they have increased resistance to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and skin cancer (Sazzini et al., 2020). Common problems may include heart disease and cancer (Sazzini et al., 2020). There are no folk illnesses common for Italians; the changing diets and lifestyles are increasing the average weight of Italians, including children (Sazzini et al., 2020). The average height and weight are similar to the neighboring European countries.
Catholicism is the main religion in the country, and it significantly affects the views on childbirth and care, gender and family roles, health, and illness. Religious healers are largely accepted, especially in Southern Italy (Puca, 2019). Religious beliefs about health are fatalistic – chronic diseases are viewed as unmanageable. Childbirth traditions include baptism, no gift giving before birth, and good luck rituals. Death is seen as a natural part of life, and Italians believe in the afterlife. A cemetery is a common place for burials and funeral ceremonies; prayer is expected as a part of Catholic tradition.
Conclusion
Italians’ beliefs regarding the causes of illness are tied to everyday actions. Causes such as contamination, weather, genetics, and mental distress are often seen as primary. Homeopathic and alternative therapies are often chosen instead of medical care (Puca, 2019). Much value is given to traditional healing, while preventive measures are linked to following a hygiene regimen and a Mediterranean diet. Promoting health and recovery through folk remedies is tied to prayers, oils, and crosses. Dietary cures are garlic, lemon, and honey for colds and respiratory conditions (Tikkanen et al., 2020). Nonetheless, Italians are aware of mental health problems and hold modern views on treatment and therapy (Tikkanen et al., 2020). Food is an integral part of the culture; the diet is rich in carbohydrates, and meals are often grilled, fried, and baked. Food is consumed slowly and as a part of social gatherings (Zimmerman & Gordon, 2022). Western medicine is a generally accepted part of the country’s free healthcare.
Reference
Minello, A., Caltabiano, M., Dalla-Zuanna, G., & Vignoli, D. (2020). Catching up! The sexual behaviour and opinions of Italian students (2000–2017). Genus, 76(1), 1-22.
Puca, A. (2019). The tradition of Segnature: underground indigenous practices in Italy. Journal of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions, 7, 104-124.
Sazzini, M., Abondio, P., Sarno, S., Gnecchi-Ruscone, G. A., Ragno, M., Giuliani, C., De Fanti, S., Ojeda-Granados, C., Boattini, A., Marquis, J., Valsesia, A., Carayol, J., Raymond, F., Pirazzini, C., Marasco, E., Ferrarini, A., Xumerle, L., Collino, S., Mari, D.,… Garagnani, P. (2020). Genomic history of the Italian population recapitulates key evolutionary dynamics of both Continental and Southern Europeans. BMC Biology, 18(1), 1-19.
Tikkanen, R., Osborn, R., Mossialos, E., Djordjevic, A., & Wharton, G. A. (2020). International health care system profiles: Italy. The Commonwealth Fund. Web.
Zimmerman, K. A. & Gordon, J. (2022). Italian culture: Facts, customs & traditions. Live Science. Web.