Marriage:
- Middle and upper-class Haitians often live in
urban areas and celebrate official weddings and have family values similar to contemporary
American ideals.
- The lower socioeconomic status families often
have common-law, marriages and live in more informal, extended-family
environments.
- In the Haitian culture, family comes first,
above work or other responsibilities.
- The average age of marriage is 15 for females,
and 18 for males.
- In Haiti, polygamy is not as uncommon as is it is
the United States.
"I am very serious about dating with the purpose of marrying that special man. In our culture, divorce is not something to be appreciated or accepted. Also, we believe that the number of children we have is Gods plan" |
“I am a religious person, and I believe that the man should be the leader of the household. The woman should be his partner. I believe that traditional roles are good. But, that does not mean that women are unimportant or unnecessary. Like they say, “It is a man’s world, but its nothing without a woman”. |
- Haitian Household:
- The Haitian household is commonly matriarchal in the day to day runnings of the home. However, the major family decisions are often made by the patriarch.
- Children are considered a gift from God and are cherished. Many mothers in Haiti will go without food, and give their children what little they do have.
- It is not uncommon for whole families,extended included,to take part in child rearing.
- Haitians are usually very proud of their children and treat them equally.
- Haitian families greatly value education for their children, as it will bring them more prosperity.