Culture and Social Development
Slide Show of Italian Culture
Extra Resources
- http://www.italianculture.net/english.htm
- http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=102
This is a map of wine that is produced through out the regions of Italy. This is the only one I could find that goes into more detail other than the general regions. It's interesting to see the variety of wines from the north to south Italy. Every wine is unique in their own way. Wine is also a big part of Italy's culture and people who reside there in the specific areas. (http://www.lostateminor.com/2011/06/14/illustrated-map-of-italy-and-its-wines/)
Fun Italian Statistics
- The main religion of the country is Christian (Roman Catholic. 80% of the country follows this religion
- The life expectancy at birth is 81.95 years for the population as a whole
- The total fertility rate is 1.41 children born per woman
- The Contraceptive prevalence rate is 62.7% among married women
- The obesity in adults rate is 19.8%
- The school life expectancy for a child is 16 years old
The information provided to the left shows the ratio of girls to boys in primary and secondary education. From 1971-2010, the ratio between the two has increased. Girls are more likely to go to school and continue on with school compared to boys in the country of Italy.
The information to the right shows the agriculture in the country of Italy. You can see that over th past 40 years there has been a steady decline in it. This makes one wonder the cause of this decline from 1970-2010.
This information to the left shows the use of contraceptives among women ages 15-49. From 1970-1996, you can see a huge decline in the use of contraceptives in the country. It's a very curious thing to see, but can explain the growing population in the country.
Religion
The major religion in Italy is Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church traces back to 30AD in Rome (Oakes). Around 90 percent of Italy’s population is some form of Christianity and it is believed 88 percent of that follows Catholicism (Oakes). Islam is the second largest religion within the country with an estimated 1 million followers (Nations Encyclopedia). There are also around 60,000 Buddhists, 30,000 Jewish, and 20,000 Mormons (Nations Encyclopedia).
The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic religion have a big impact on the way people in Italy live their life. The Seven Sacraments include Baptism, Communion, Confession, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing the Sick (Richert, 2013). These Sacraments are used on a daily basis in the lives of Roman Catholics of Italy. It brings the people of the Catholic religion closer to their God. It also promotes their family life and their respect for others.
Italy is filled with 2,000 years+ of sacred places (Salamon, 2012). Within Rome, lies Vatican City, which is the center for Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican City is filled with churches, shrines, and relics of St. Peter, popes, and saints. The Pope resides here and there are various religious activities where he makes appearances within the city (Salamon, 2012). The Sistine Chapel within Vatican City has been a very sacred place throughout history. Many popes are resided there and the Papal Conclave occurs there as well.
The government of Italy and the church do not go hand in hand with another. The government stays out of the church but it doesn’t always work the same the other way around. The church does intervene from time to time in politics. The issues the church gets involved with are gay rights, the morning after pill and other random issues (Pegna, 2007).
References:
Oakes, J. (n.d.). Evidence for christianity. Retrieved from http://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/where-and-when-did-the-catholicism-begin/
Salamon, F. (2012). Countries and their cultures. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Italy.html
Religions- italy. In (2008). Retrieved from http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Italy-RELIGIONS.html
Richert, S. (2013). The seven sacrements. Retrieved from http://catholicism.about.com/od/beliefsteachings/p/The_Sacraments.htm
Pegna, V. (2007). The vatican's grip on italy. Retrieved from http://www.concordatwatch.eu/showtopic.php?org_id=878&kb_header_id=842
The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic religion have a big impact on the way people in Italy live their life. The Seven Sacraments include Baptism, Communion, Confession, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing the Sick (Richert, 2013). These Sacraments are used on a daily basis in the lives of Roman Catholics of Italy. It brings the people of the Catholic religion closer to their God. It also promotes their family life and their respect for others.
Italy is filled with 2,000 years+ of sacred places (Salamon, 2012). Within Rome, lies Vatican City, which is the center for Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican City is filled with churches, shrines, and relics of St. Peter, popes, and saints. The Pope resides here and there are various religious activities where he makes appearances within the city (Salamon, 2012). The Sistine Chapel within Vatican City has been a very sacred place throughout history. Many popes are resided there and the Papal Conclave occurs there as well.
The government of Italy and the church do not go hand in hand with another. The government stays out of the church but it doesn’t always work the same the other way around. The church does intervene from time to time in politics. The issues the church gets involved with are gay rights, the morning after pill and other random issues (Pegna, 2007).
References:
Oakes, J. (n.d.). Evidence for christianity. Retrieved from http://www.evidenceforchristianity.org/where-and-when-did-the-catholicism-begin/
Salamon, F. (2012). Countries and their cultures. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Italy.html
Religions- italy. In (2008). Retrieved from http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Italy-RELIGIONS.html
Richert, S. (2013). The seven sacrements. Retrieved from http://catholicism.about.com/od/beliefsteachings/p/The_Sacraments.htm
Pegna, V. (2007). The vatican's grip on italy. Retrieved from http://www.concordatwatch.eu/showtopic.php?org_id=878&kb_header_id=842
The blue part represents the Catholic Christianity in the European area. Since around 90% of the Italian population follows this religion, the entire country is blue. The other religions are spread sporadically through the country.
Image from: http://www.eupedia.com/europe/maps_of_europe.shtml
Above is a picture of the exterior of the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City. It is very old and bland looking compared to the inside.
Image from: http://d1ezg6ep0f8pmf.cloudfront.net/images/slides/a1/16271-sistine-chapel-vatican-city-barn-like-exterior-is.jpg
Image from: http://d1ezg6ep0f8pmf.cloudfront.net/images/slides/a1/16271-sistine-chapel-vatican-city-barn-like-exterior-is.jpg
Above is a picture of the extravagant inside of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo is the famous artist who painted the entire inside.
Image from: http://d1ezg6ep0f8pmf.cloudfront.net/images/slides/a3/16273-sistine-chapel-vatican-city-interior.jpg
Image from: http://d1ezg6ep0f8pmf.cloudfront.net/images/slides/a3/16273-sistine-chapel-vatican-city-interior.jpg
Above is a photo of Vatican City. This is the heart of the Roman Catholic religion and is a very popular tourist site.
Image from: http://www.goldencompass.co.uk/shopimages/articles/Vatican%20city.jpg
Image from: http://www.goldencompass.co.uk/shopimages/articles/Vatican%20city.jpg
Loss of Cultural Diversity in Italy
Italy is presently undergoing a loss of cultural diversity. Existing minorities have become a huge dispute in Italy recently (Italy/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates, 2012). These issues have had great affect on cultural diversity within the country. Europe is known to have a very diverse population but Italy is not one of the countries that provides to the diversity. Italy, for the most part, is made up of Italian citizens and as of now immigrants are not wanted. The Italian government promises to crack down on foreign immigrants because they associate them to crime (Italy Gives Cultural Diversity a Lukewarm Embrace, 2008). Italy is known to be one of the top countries that has harsh policies when it comes to immigration. The country is trying to propose some of the harshest anti immigration laws.
Most immigrants in the country are only granted to stay if it pertains to a job (Immigration Policies in Italy, 2013). Since immigrant workers are important to the country, Italy granted visas for a specific amount of seasonal workers to come to the country in 2012 (Immigration Policies in Italy, 2013). Religion is a big part of Italian culture. Italians frown upon other religions that are minorities in the country (Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Discourses in Italy, 2010). In 1984, Italy disestablished Roman Catholicism as it's state religion even though it is the world capitol for the religion.
Italy neglects the fact that cultural diversity is upon them even though they do not welcome it. The country has to realize that they need to accept immigrants and welcome different cultures. It is safe to say that within the next 20 years, diversity in Italy has promise.
Sources:
“Italy/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates” (8 Aug. 2012). Compendium Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe. Retrieved from http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/italy.php?aid=424
“Italy Gives Cultural Diversity a Lukewarm Embrace” (25 Jun. 2008). New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/arts/design/25abroad.html?pagewanted=all
“Immigration Policies in Italy” (2013). Struggles In Italy. Retrieved from http://strugglesinitaly.wordpress.com/equality/en-immigration-policies-in-italy/
"Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Discourses in Italy" (2010). Maurizio Ambrosini and Elena Caneva. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1061844/Tolerance_and_Cultural_Diversity_Discourses_in_Italy
Photo Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/arts/design/25abroad.html?pagewanted=all
Religion is a big part of Italian culture. Italians frown upon other religions that are minorities in the country (Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Discourses in Italy, 2010).
Sources:
“Italy/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates” (8 Aug. 2012). Compendium Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe. Retrieved from http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/italy.php?aid=424
“Italy Gives Cultural Diversity a Lukewarm Embrace” (25 Jun. 2008). New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/arts/design/25abroad.html?pagewanted=all
“Immigration Policies in Italy” (2013). Struggles In Italy. Retrieved from http://strugglesinitaly.wordpress.com/equality/en-immigration-policies-in-italy/
"Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Discourses in Italy" (2010). Maurizio Ambrosini and Elena Caneva. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1061844/Tolerance_and_Cultural_Diversity_Discourses_in_Italy
Photo Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/arts/design/25abroad.html?pagewanted=all
Most immigrants in the country are only granted to stay if it pertains to a job (Immigration Policies in Italy, 2013). Since immigrant workers are important to the country, Italy granted visas for a specific amount of seasonal workers to come to the country in 2012 (Immigration Policies in Italy, 2013). Religion is a big part of Italian culture. Italians frown upon other religions that are minorities in the country (Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Discourses in Italy, 2010). In 1984, Italy disestablished Roman Catholicism as it's state religion even though it is the world capitol for the religion.
Italy neglects the fact that cultural diversity is upon them even though they do not welcome it. The country has to realize that they need to accept immigrants and welcome different cultures. It is safe to say that within the next 20 years, diversity in Italy has promise.
Sources:
“Italy/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates” (8 Aug. 2012). Compendium Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe. Retrieved from http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/italy.php?aid=424
“Italy Gives Cultural Diversity a Lukewarm Embrace” (25 Jun. 2008). New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/arts/design/25abroad.html?pagewanted=all
“Immigration Policies in Italy” (2013). Struggles In Italy. Retrieved from http://strugglesinitaly.wordpress.com/equality/en-immigration-policies-in-italy/
"Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Discourses in Italy" (2010). Maurizio Ambrosini and Elena Caneva. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1061844/Tolerance_and_Cultural_Diversity_Discourses_in_Italy
Photo Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/arts/design/25abroad.html?pagewanted=all
Religion is a big part of Italian culture. Italians frown upon other religions that are minorities in the country (Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Discourses in Italy, 2010).
Sources:
“Italy/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates” (8 Aug. 2012). Compendium Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe. Retrieved from http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/italy.php?aid=424
“Italy Gives Cultural Diversity a Lukewarm Embrace” (25 Jun. 2008). New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/arts/design/25abroad.html?pagewanted=all
“Immigration Policies in Italy” (2013). Struggles In Italy. Retrieved from http://strugglesinitaly.wordpress.com/equality/en-immigration-policies-in-italy/
"Tolerance and Cultural Diversity Discourses in Italy" (2010). Maurizio Ambrosini and Elena Caneva. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1061844/Tolerance_and_Cultural_Diversity_Discourses_in_Italy
Photo Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/arts/design/25abroad.html?pagewanted=all
Food in Italy
In Italy, the most common foods include different kinds of pastas such as rigatoni, penne, spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, etc. To top the different pastas off there are a variety of sauces but the two most common are marinara and alfredo. Lasagna and manicotti are two dishes that are highly favored in the country. Pizza is another dish that Italians love, but not in the way Americans eat it. Italians like their pizza with a lot of cheese, such as mozzarella and parmesan. Bread is also something that Italian’s eat with almost every meal and sometimes bruschetta is included. Beverages that go with Italian dinners are red and white wines. Italian desserts would include cannolis and tiramisu.
Below is a recipe for Crab and Spinach Manicotti with Parmesan Cheese retrieved from http://www.food.com/recipe/ultimate-crab-and-spinach-manicotti-with-parmesan-cheese-sauce-149574
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: Roughly 15
PARMESAN SAUCE
1/4 cup butter (no substitutes)
1/4 cup flour
1 cup full-fat milk
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
Tabasco sauce
MANICOTTI FILLING
1 lb crabmeat, flaked (fresh or frozen)
1 (20 ounce) box frozen spinach (cooked and well drained, squeeze out moisture with hands)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese (can use more to taste)
2 large green onions, chopped
1 large egg, beaten
salt and pepper
shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
15 manicotti, cooked to only firm-tender
Directions:
1. To make the sauce: in a saucepan over medium heat melt butter.
2. Add in flour and whisk for about 3 minutes.
3. Add in milk and half and half whisk over heat until bubbly and thickened.
4. Add in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and Tabasco to taste; stir until the cheese melts.
5. Set oven to 375 degrees.
6. Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
7. In a bowl mix together crab, well drained spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, onions, egg, salt and pepper; mix well to combine.
8. Fill each cooked shell with crab/cheese filling using clean hands.
9. Place in a single layer in prepared baking dish.
10. Cover with the Parmesan cheese sauce (does not have to cover completely!).
11. Sprinkle with grated mozzeralla cheese (any amount desired).
12. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes (do not over bake!).
Nutrition Facts:
1 Serving: 234.8 calories
Below is a recipe for Crab and Spinach Manicotti with Parmesan Cheese retrieved from http://www.food.com/recipe/ultimate-crab-and-spinach-manicotti-with-parmesan-cheese-sauce-149574
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: Roughly 15
PARMESAN SAUCE
1/4 cup butter (no substitutes)
1/4 cup flour
1 cup full-fat milk
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
Tabasco sauce
MANICOTTI FILLING
1 lb crabmeat, flaked (fresh or frozen)
1 (20 ounce) box frozen spinach (cooked and well drained, squeeze out moisture with hands)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese (can use more to taste)
2 large green onions, chopped
1 large egg, beaten
salt and pepper
shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
15 manicotti, cooked to only firm-tender
Directions:
1. To make the sauce: in a saucepan over medium heat melt butter.
2. Add in flour and whisk for about 3 minutes.
3. Add in milk and half and half whisk over heat until bubbly and thickened.
4. Add in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and Tabasco to taste; stir until the cheese melts.
5. Set oven to 375 degrees.
6. Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
7. In a bowl mix together crab, well drained spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, onions, egg, salt and pepper; mix well to combine.
8. Fill each cooked shell with crab/cheese filling using clean hands.
9. Place in a single layer in prepared baking dish.
10. Cover with the Parmesan cheese sauce (does not have to cover completely!).
11. Sprinkle with grated mozzeralla cheese (any amount desired).
12. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes (do not over bake!).
Nutrition Facts:
1 Serving: 234.8 calories
Religion and Food in Italy
In Italy, the connection between religion and food lies within religious celebrations. During these religious celebrations specific Italian foods are made. For Christmas, Italians make bread called Panettone that is only eaten around December. They also have specific Easter Bread that they make in the spring. The Italians also celebrate a day called Saint’s Day. The most popular dish made on this day is a roast suckling pig. These foods have special meanings to the Italian culture and religion.
Italy. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.foodbycountry.com/Germany-to-Japan/Italy.html
Italy is known for its food exports. Italian farmers grow oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, tomatoes, garlic, rice, and wheat. They also raise cattle such as pigs, sheep, chickens, goats, and dairy cattle. Meat production in Italy is usually very weak. Dairy is a major export for the Italian industry. Tomatoes are grown over most of Italy and turned into tomato sauce. Olives are crushed to make olive oil and grapes are crushed to make wine. Every region in Italy produces wine. Wheat is used to make pasta, and garlic is used in almost every dish in Italy.
Italy. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/italyfood.htm
The Food Industry in Italy. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.ip.aua.gr/studies/italian%20team_final.pdf
Italy. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.foodbycountry.com/Germany-to-Japan/Italy.html
Italy is known for its food exports. Italian farmers grow oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, tomatoes, garlic, rice, and wheat. They also raise cattle such as pigs, sheep, chickens, goats, and dairy cattle. Meat production in Italy is usually very weak. Dairy is a major export for the Italian industry. Tomatoes are grown over most of Italy and turned into tomato sauce. Olives are crushed to make olive oil and grapes are crushed to make wine. Every region in Italy produces wine. Wheat is used to make pasta, and garlic is used in almost every dish in Italy.
Italy. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/italyfood.htm
The Food Industry in Italy. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.ip.aua.gr/studies/italian%20team_final.pdf