In the village, home is usually a simple house raised on posted; domestic animals, like buffaloes, chickens, etc. are kept below, and the family lives above, often in a single room. There is little privacy, though this is not as highly regarded as in Western countries, and the communal life style instills a strong sense of social harmony in which tact, compromise, and tolerance are essential. The father is regarded as the leader, but the mother also plays a significant role particularly in the family finances.