Etiquette and respect in Brazil is a bit different than etiquette and respect in the United States. The first thing that I found shocking is that appointments in Brazil must be made two weeks in advance. It is considered disrespectful to make impromptu appearances or calls in business settings. In the United States, it is appropriate to schedule appointments ahead of time, but it is not always necessary. My mom works in the school district as the Director of Curriculum in my hometown and she constantly has teachers and other workers stop by to discuss curriculum and other matters. She has told me that she almost prefers people to just show up at her office rather than scheduling an appointment.
One huge difference in business etiquette between Brazil and the United States is punctuality. In Brazil, it is acceptable to be fashionably late every once in awhile. Lateness in the United States is often a sign of rudeness or laziness and is generally not accepted. Americans do not like to be kept waiting, especially in business settings. Although it is much less frowned upon to be late in Brazil, you should still call the company and inform them if you know you are going to be late.
Brazil’s culture is considered to be somewhat sexist and socially unjust. American women visiting Brazil should be prepared to be treated “below” men. Lower class people should also be prepared to be treated unequally. Times are slowly starting to change, though, regarding sexism and social equality in Brazil. They are beginning to adapt more of a 21st century approach rather than a 1950’s system. Women and lower class citizens are working their way up and are being treated more equally than in the past.
Occupation, or job title, often symbolizes how much respect or honor an individual should receive. I did a little bit of research on the highest paying jobs in Brazil versus the United States and found some noticeable differences. Anesthesiologists take home the most coin in the United States. In Brazil, anesthesiologists are the 35th best paid. Police officers in Brazil are in the top ten for highest paid workers, while police officers in the United States are nowhere near that. Attorneys in Brazil barely make the top 100 for highest paid workers. Attorneys in the United States, on the other hand, are extremely well paid (usually over $100,00 per year).
Culture Shock 