Cultural Group: European American

A Brief History

• Descendants of the first European settlers;
• Have always been the largest group;
• The Spanish were the first Europeans in America (Cross, 2017);
• German, Irish, and British immigrants – the first wave;
• The second wave – mainly Southern and Eastern Europe.

Values and Worldview

• Free will and individual choice;
• Objective knowledge and science;
• Taking pride in the country of origin;
• Individualism and independence;
• Emphasis on work and material possessions.

Language and Communications Patterns

• The English language dominates;
• Require personal space (Brzozowska & Chlopicki, 2015);
• Avoid physical contact with strangers;
• Different nations added their vocabulary to English;
• Contributing to geographical names.

Art and Other Expressive Forms

• Develop the European heritage;
• Exploiting new technologies;
• Adhering to strong literature traditions;
• Outstanding achievements in all spheres;
• High capitalization of art.

Norms and Rules

• Minor differences due to national customs;
• Respect for different cultures and religions;
• The majority adhere to Christian ethics;
• Families are centered around children;
• Have strong political opinions.

Lifestyle Characteristics

• The trend for self-reliance;
• Being unique and believing in themselves;
• Earning as early as possible;
• Possession of strong work ethics;
• Striving for professional and personal success.

Relationship Patterns and Common Rituals

• Have wide nets of weak connections;
• Less emphasis on traditional marriage;
• Tendency to marry in their thirties;
• Reverence for family gatherings and holidays;
• Patriarchy prevails in families.

Degree of Assimilation or Marginalization from Mainstream Society

• A third of the American population;
• High level of assimilation;
• Set trends across the groups;
• Marginalization is low;
• Easily socialize with different cultural groups.

Health Behaviors and Practices

• Fresh air is the basis for wellbeing;
• Regular jogging and fitness;
• Healthy diet, vegan practice;
• Attention to body image and beauty;
• When in sickness, ask relatives and friends for help.

Socio-Cultural Group: Greek American

A Brief History

• Came from Turkey, the Balkans, and Egypt;
• Failed to colonize Florida in 1768 (Moskos, 2017);
• The first community developed in New Orleans;
• In 1924 got the lowest immigration quota (Jurgens);
• Were severely discriminated against.

Values and Worldview

• Adherence to democracy through history;
• The heritage of Ancient Greece;
• Family and local community;
• Loving and enjoying life;
• Work hard to achieve success.

Language and Communications Patterns

• Treasure their native language;
• Teach Greek in special schools;
• Prefer to communicate face-to-face;
• Do not require much personal space;
• Use expressive body language.

Art and Other Expressive Forms

• The root of Western classical art;
• Literature and philosophic tradition;
• Characteristic sculpture and architecture;
• Practice ethnic dances;
• Celebrate traditional festivals.

Norms and Rules

• Men and women kiss when greeting;
• General respect for the elderly people;
• Including children in adult activities;
• Hospitality and sociability with strangers;
• Dressing appropriately to the Church.

Lifestyle Characteristics

• Have a slow pace of life;
• Characterized by collectivist culture;
• Spontaneous and flexible with plans;
• Take afternoon naps;
• Strong religious tradition.

Relationship Patterns and Common Rituals

• Men are expected to be breadwinners;
• Women are responsible for the household;
• Advocate conventional marriage;
• Close connections with extended families;
• Meeting at coffeehouses with friends.

Degree of Assimilation or Marginalization from Mainstream Society

• Two-thirds stress their Greek identity;
• Largely live in cities;
• Loyalty to traditions and ethnic groups;
• Marriages between the Orthodox and non-Orthodox;
• An equal number of Republicans and Democrats.

Health Behaviors and Practices

• Try to avoid hospitals;
• Prevent illness with folk remedies (Lundy & Janes, 2014);
• Greek diet and exercise;
• Caring for family and friends;
• Using herbs as a medicine.

Both Groups

A comparison and contrast analysis of common characteristics and distinguishing traits between the groups

• The Greeks are more collective-centered;
• Both groups are patriotic;
• Both mostly live in cities;
• Close in religious beliefs (Christianity);
• The Greeks are more traditional in social relations.

Discussion of Differential Approaches Needed by Health Care Professionals

• Establishing trustful relationships with Greek families;
• Educating on clinical medicine;
• Importance of timely professional help;
• Respect for traditional values;
• Paying special attention to children.

References

Brzozowska, D. & Chlopicki, W. (2015). Culture’s software: Communication styles. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Cross, J. A. (2017). Ethnic landscapes of America. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.

Jurgens, J. (n. d.) Greek Americans. Web.

Lundy, K. S. & Janes, S. (2014). Community health nursing (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Moskos, P. C. (2017). Greek Americans: Struggle and success (3rd ed). Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge.