The Brazilian Class System
Despite the mixing of ethnicities,there is a class system in Brazil.
Few Brazilians could be described as racist , although social discrimination on the basis of skin colour is a daily occurrence.
In general people with darker brown skin are economically and socially disadvantaged
Class is determined by economic status and skin colour
There is a great disparity in wage differentials and therefore lifestyle and social aspirations among the different classes
Although women make up 40 % of the Brazilian workforce they are typically found in lower paid jobs such as teaching administrative support and nursing
The 1988 constitution prohibits discrimination against women but inequities still exist
The one place where women are achieving equality is in the government
Greeting Etiquette
Men shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining steady eye contact
Women generally kiss each other starting with the left and alternating cheeks
Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friend
If a women wishes to shake hands with a man she should extend her hand first.