First Observations

     In light of some recent observations we had to complete as part of training I figured I would share some cultural differences I have begun to identify and things we have discovered.

Gender Roles/Responsibilities:
     There seem to be, at least in my current PST Site (I can not speak on my next site as of yet because the culture within Kosova is so different depending on where in the country you are), a firm set of roles and responsibilities for each gender. Men tend to be providers. They are economically responsible for the families well being and growth. In light of the unemployment faced here by many young men in Kosova, many families tend to be co-dependent and brothers/siblings will help each others family if they are facing difficulties. Women are the care-takers and homemakers. Older women tend to stay home, tend to children and raise them in a respectable manner. Some women do work, but there are limited opportunities in the country right now. Both males and females go to University, with English being a popular major among the youth and the potential opportunities associated with that degree/skill.
     Men have the ability to be seen more in public. They frequent the cafe's and other establishments, some of which are "Male-only''. Even some cafe's are male only; it is definitely an interesting thing to look at, considering the café in my town, while not Male-only, you wont find any women there besides myself and two other female volunteers. Women more so stay in house except for their nightly group walks. They visit house to house and aren't typically seen outside, especially alone.

Dating:
      When I asked different people about dating here, it was made clear it is unlike the US where we date around to find likes, dislikes, or just for fun. Here you date with the intent of marrying. That is not to say casual dating is non-existent, I just have not come across it personally. Those that are unmarried, tend to stay in the families home and assist the matriarch in household duties (if female) Males tend to work if they have a job and contribute to providing for the family. Additionally, dating is not done overtly. It is usually secretive and more so for women than men. Here a women's name still has a lot of weight and those who may be deemed promiscuous are not seen favorably for marriage. The "PDA" typical of American society is not prevalent here. Hand holding is pretty much the most you will see in public, but even in private their isn't much of the "lovey-dovey" interaction between, those dating and those in marriages. The interesting note on the previous remark is that men are very much affectionate with each other here, and to an American man may put him off, but the hugs and thigh grabs here are very much acceptable amongst men. I was a little thrown off when I was told it is also the norm for women here to be married before 21 and that is typical. It is also commonplace for parents to reject a marriage and have women choose between their family and their spouse, where if they choose the latter their familial ties with whichever dissenting parties are cut. Additionally, women who may leave their husbands for whatever reason are considered/called widowed and it is more acceptable for them to marry someone previously married rather than someone who has not been married before.

Social Interactions:
     In social interactions the genders are still fairly separated. Women go to the restaurant or café with other females unless they are with family members. When my fellow trainees and I go to the café, we are mixed males and females, which is not typical here and then add in our loud American accents and the people of Kosova are staring interested in the current "American show" taking place- hahaha! I recently went to a disco here and even that was different from the US. There was virtually no dancing except for my host sister, cousin and I and even then we two-stepped all night. There was no dancing between men and women (from what I saw) and if there was dancing it was a side to side sway on the part of women. The men tended to look around, watch the ladies and interact amongst themselves. Even when men may find you attractive their isn't any of the hand grabbing or touching of a female as is typical in the US. Here you may get a wow, or bukerie (beautiful) thrown into the air but that's typically the end of it. (insert gasps from women across the US here lol)

These are just some observations/experiences I have had/seen specifically. This should not be considered to be commonplace in all of Kosovo, but it is what I have observed in my current area.