CHANGING SOCIAL DYNAMICS: QUALITY OF LIFE IN ARGENTINA
In recent decades, Argentina has witnessed significant shifts in both quality of life and standards of living. Historically characterized by a predominant middle-class majority, flanked by affluent and impoverished minorities, the societal landscape has undergone notable transformations. Political instability and corruption have introduced socioeconomic changes, impacting the entire spectrum of Argentine society.
While pockets of affluence persist, the middle class now exhibits a more restrained spending pattern. Prosperity and comfort have yielded to rising poverty, hunger, and unemployment, contributing to an increase in violent crime. Security concerns have escalated, leading to the proliferation of enclosed private neighborhoods.
Despite challenges, Argentina’s response to crime, particularly in comparison to other Latin American countries, involves heightened security consciousness rather than a drastic rise in threats to personal safety.
The proportion of people living below the poverty line, which stood at 36.5 percent in 2022, has surged due to factors like hyperinflation and economic policies. Shantytowns, once confined to the city outskirts, now encroach upon inner-city areas, reflecting the enduring impact of economic turbulence.
SOCIAL STRATA AND DIVERSE LIFESTYLES
Argentina’s middle class, known for its desire to live well, maintains a semblance of normalcy despite economic challenges. Restaurants buzz with activity, nightlife thrives, and individuals continue to present themselves in a manner reminiscent of more prosperous times. Notably, welfare provision has expanded since 2001, yet the number of people below the poverty line has reached unprecedented levels.
In a paradoxical observation, despite economic hardships, Argentinians, including the middle class, continue to travel abroad, navigating currency restrictions and surcharges on foreign transactions.
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
Argentina boasts a commendable literacy rate of nearly 98 percent, with compulsory schooling spanning ten years from age five. State-provided education covers 72 percent of school children, while private schools, often religious, cater to the remaining 28 percent. Bilingual schools, offering both the Argentinian and foreign curricula, are available but tend to be financially accessible to a minority.
The university system encompasses both private and state institutions, with common entrance exams. State university education is free, while private universities charge fees. In recent years, public university funding has increased, with new establishments emerging in densely populated regions.
EVOLUTION OF NATIONAL SERVICE
Compulsory national service, colloquially known as “colimba,” was abolished in 1994, replaced by voluntary service with remuneration. Discussions about reinstating compulsory service for those neither working nor studying remain contentious.
RESIDING IN ARGENTINA: ECONOMIC IMPACT ON HOUSING
Economic conditions heavily influence housing choices in Argentina. Property ownership proves challenging for the younger population, prompting many to opt for rented accommodations. Legislative changes aimed at tenant protection have constrained the rental market. Notably, many real estate agencies and relocation services cater to English speakers.
AGRICULTURAL INFLUENCE AND RURAL-URBAN SYMBIOSIS
Argentina, primarily an agricultural nation, maintains a symbiotic relationship between town and country. Established landowning families derive income from the land but reside prosperously in the city. Annual events like the Exposición Rural showcase the agricultural sector’s vitality, featuring livestock exhibitions, cattle shows, and displays of agricultural innovations.
DAILY LIFE AND WORK CULTURE
Daily life in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, is marked by long working hours, and children in dual-income households are often cared for by relatives. While office hours and shopping hours are similar to global norms, the traditional siesta has waned in larger cities. The cost of living, exacerbated by a high inflation rate, has led to increased price-consciousness among Argentinians.
USUAL WORKING HOURS AND OPENING TIMES
Banks and Bureaux de Change Monday to Friday
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Office Hours Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., lunch break about an hour between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Post Offices Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., some open on Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Shops Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Shopping Centers Monday to Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
FAMILY MILESTONES AND CELEBRATIONS
Argentinian family life revolves around significant religious and secular milestones. Baptisms, First Communions, and weddings are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. Notably, a girl’s fifteenth birthday, celebrated with a “Fiesta de Quince,” marks a pivotal moment. Graduations are sometimes commemorated with class excursions, symbolizing the end of the academic journey. Despite economic challenges, family occasions continue to be cherished and celebrated in various ways, adapting to changing societal norms.
TIME OUT
Argentinians excel in the art of leisure. Their leisure preferences range from laid-back afternoons to engaging in sports throughout the day. Popular activities include barbecues and home entertainment, taking advantage of the outdoor-friendly weather. Men and women often spend a significant portion of their leisure time soaking up the sun.
From impromptu football matches in public parks to water sports and yachting for the more affluent, Buenos Aires and the central regions with their temperate climate offer ideal conditions for year-round outdoor activities.
RESTAURANTS AND COFFEEHOUSES
The café culture, akin to cities like Paris or Madrid, is deeply ingrained in everyday Argentinian life. Gathering for coffee at confiterías (tea houses) is a common practice in major cities.
When it comes to dining out, Argentinians are spoiled for choice. Eating is a social event, with conversations extending over coffee long after the meal, known as la sobremesa.
Food and Drink
Argentina boasts excellent food quality, catering to both gourmet and functional eaters. Unlike many Latin American cuisines, Argentinian food is generally not spicy and leans towards the less exotic.
The signature Argentinian dish is beef, with parrillada (mixed grill) or asado (barbecued steak) being integral to the gastronomic culture. Chorizo, a mildly spicy barbecued sausage, and empanadas, small pastries filled with meat or chicken, are popular appetizers. Argentinian pizza, influenced by Italian immigration, is characterized by a thicker crust and generous cheese toppings. International cuisines, including French, Japanese, Chinese, and others, have also found their place alongside local flavors.
For Those With a Sweet Tooth
Facturas, delightful pastries with various fillings, are a must, especially accompanied by coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Dulce de leche, a toffee-like spread made from milk and sugar, features prominently in Argentinian desserts. Alfajores, small cakes filled with dulce de leche, serve as a local alternative to international chocolate bars.
TIPPING
While tipping is more common in Buenos Aires, it’s becoming prevalent across the country. In restaurants, a customary tip is around 10 percent of the total bill. Some places may include a service charge of up to 25 percent. Tipping is also common for services like hairdressing, cinema ushers, and taxi drivers.
Smoking
Though not as taboo as in Western Europe or the United States, smoking restrictions are in place. Smoking is prohibited in enclosed spaces, including restaurants, bars, shops, cinemas, theaters, public transportation, and offices.
ARGENTINIAN TABLE MANNERS
Observing Argentinian table manners is essential:
- Avoid blowing your nose at the table.
- Use cutlery in the continental European style.
- Keep both hands on the table; avoid eating with one hand on your lap.
- When finished, place your knife and fork together on the plate.
- The traditional toast is “Salud!”
SHOPPING
Shopping in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, offers a diverse and stylish experience. From local designers to international labels, there are options for all budgets. Shopping centers, like Patio Bullrich, cater to various tastes, providing extended opening hours.
Buenos Aires features shopping districts like Recoleta and Avenida Santa Fe, with the historic Florida street serving as a shopping landmark. While digital payments have surged, cash is still widely used, often offering discounts. Mercado Libre is a popular platform for online shopping.
Kioskos
Kioskos, resembling newsagents, are integral to Argentina’s urban character. Found in stations and busy streets, they often provide local travel information and are open 24/7 in central locations.
Duty-Free Shopping
Reclaiming VAT (value-added tax) on purchases over a certain value is possible in registered outlets. VAT refund processes can be completed at the airport.
MONEY MATTERS
Argentina’s currency is the Argentine peso. Banks and ATMs are widespread, but caution is advised due to mugging risks. Currency exchange offices are available, with US dollars being more easily exchangeable. Cash is widely used, and credit cards like Visa are prevalent.
THEATER AND CINEMA
Argentinians are avid theater and cinema enthusiasts. Buenos Aires boasts over sixty cinemas and three hundred and fifty theaters, making it a cultural hub. International films, along with Argentinian productions, are popular, usually subtitled.
NIGHTLIFE
Argentina’s main cities and holiday resorts offer vibrant nightlife. Bars and restaurants stay open until the early hours, with nightlife hubs in Palermo, Las Cañitas, Puerto Madero, and Recoleta. Tango bars, jazz cafés, live music venues, and late-night cinemas provide diverse entertainment options.
LOTTERY AND GAMBLING
Relaxed gambling laws have led to casinos operating in most provinces. The Lotería Nacional offers various gambling products, including El Gordo de Navidad, a major Christmas lottery draw. Football pools, known as PRODE, are popular, and horse racing attracts enthusiasts.
SUMMER PLACES
Seaside resorts like Mar del Plata and Pinamar on the Atlantic coast are popular summer destinations. The hills of Córdoba offer a quieter retreat with hiking and fishing. Winter ski resorts in the south attract visitors in the summer, showcasing lakes, mountains, and outdoor activities. Punta del Este in Uruguay remains an exclusive summer resort for affluent Argentinians.
Open Spaces
Green spaces, like squares (plazas), are prevalent in both small towns and large cities. Palermo in Buenos Aires features various parks, botanical gardens, and a zoo. Other cities also have ample green spaces, providing a natural spectacle throughout the year.
HIGH CULTURE
European influences are evident in Argentinian high culture, reflected in music, literature, and lifestyle. Buenos Aires hosts cultural landmarks like the Teatro Colón, a world-renowned opera house. Museums, such as the National Fine Arts Museum and MALBA, showcase a blend of European heritage and local culture.
POPULAR CULTURE
Tango, originating from the impoverished classes of Buenos Aires, is a globally recognized music style. Folk music, influenced by Indigenous cultures, encompasses various styles like zamba, chacarera, and chamamé. Carnivalito, typical of the Puna region, features regional instruments like the quena and charango.
SPORTS
Sports are integral to Argentinian culture. Football, with intense rivalries between teams like River Plate and Boca Juniors, is immensely popular. Rugby, tennis, polo, and golf, influenced by British culture, also have a strong presence. Water sports along the coast, skiing in winter resorts, and mountain climbing in the Andes offer diverse recreational opportunities.
The Golfing Craze
Argentina boasts an impressive number of golf courses, with the Argentinian Golf Association overseeing nearly three hundred affiliated courses. Golf, introduced by the British in 1879, is a year-round activity with a significant following and numerous tournaments.