Salvadorans like to keep a reasonable distance between themselves and the people they are talking to, but some Americans might think that we stand much closer together. People are expected to make eye contact with each other, but it is important not to stare too long. Sometimes people will touch the other person on the arm during a conversation. Salvadorans often move their arms, hands, or whole bodies when talking.
Many families have several generations living together in one house, so Salvadoran children have a close relationship with their elders. Because older people have much more experience than we do, we treat them well and we help them when they need something. When we are young, we are taught to show our parents and grandparents respect.
Salvadoran society is sometimes called "machista." Boys are supposed to be brave and strong. Girls should be more peaceful and quiet. These traditional roles vary from family to family, depending on how strict the parents are. Many women are now the heads of their households, and they work outside of the home, as well as cook, clean, and take care of their children.
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Age structure:
0-14 years: 36.1%
15-64 years: 58.7%
65 years and over: 5.2%