Class distinctions are generally made based on the amount of money one has and the colour of one’s skin. Darker ethnicities tend to be disadvantaged. The huge differences in wage brackets is responsible for many of the disagreements and conditions of the Brazilian locals, with the upper classes seldom interacting with those at the lower end of the economic or class scale. Women are usually employed in the lower-paid positions, such as teaching and nursing.
Brazilians are usually rather affectionate, tactile people. Men shake hands with one another, while women will kiss each others’ cheeks in greeting. They will start with the left cheek and then kiss the right. In business relationships, Brazilian businessmen will usually get to know one another before committing to long-term business dealings, as they want to know those with whom they deal.