Family
While I still have a long way to go with understanding family dynamics in France; I have done enough research to speak vaguely on topics like Feminism & Female Roles in Society.
While the legal age of marriage is eighteen in France; teenagers can marry earlier with the consent of parents or a prosecutor. There is a belief that women are inferior to men; thus, must be provided for. This type of sexism is still deeply rooted in French society despite there being laws in place that prevent discrimination against any French citizen. Laws in place do not prevent certain social issues from happening. It gives society the opportunity to sweep it under the rug. (Girls Not Brides) Moreover, Considering the age of consent in France is fifth teen; that means teenagers can get married at sixteen. However, the French government only lowered the age of being considered a minor from twenty-one to eighteen around fifty years ago. So, this makes me want to conduct research on my own about the decision to lower the age. Now, Same sex marriage has been legalized since 2013. But there’s still a lot of representation needed in the LGBTQ community in France as well as Women Rights. . IVF has only been legal for lesbians and single women since 2021. Abortion is legal up until 4 and a half months of pregnancy. As for adoption, finding out the correct stats was a bit more challenging because it could potentially prohibit France’s privacy rights of collecting a census on minorities. Especially since a lot of territories are in Africa; I would naturally assume that French families looking for adoption would consider looking for kids in that territories. But this is my own speculation because most articles haven’t been updated since 2005. On the Maternal Center La Chrysalide website, “85% of single parent homes are lead by women while child poverty rate is at 20% This is astoundingly higher than the average population’s poverty rate. These stats were collected in 2018. The 2005 stats show that planned parenting is and adopting children from other countries is a societal norm.” (Maternal Center, Cain Humanities & Social Sciences) According to multiple sources, a teenager traveling outside of France is conditional and depends on the city to protect kids. This a paraphrased quote from Eurostar, travel state gov. and French Bee, “Authorization de sortie du territoire” is required for both French and Foreign minors traveling alone outside of France. The written consent of a parent or legal guardian is required for kids between the age of 12 and 15. Someone whose sixteen or over must accompany them. And only certain locations are available to travel to within certain times.” For example, Kids taking the Eurostar from Paris to London are only allowed at the station from 6am to 5pm
Rules Of Being A Self Conscious Expat In A Home Stay:
- This is nether my house nor my rules. So, I need to make the best impression I can to coexist peacefully. Because yes, I'm the foreigner.
- Women are often expected to take on more domestic roles in French Culture. So, this will depend significantly on the household. ( An older couple would potentially expect me to clean as a thank you for staying. Especially if the couple is of African, Latino, or Asian descent. )
- Regardless of where we go in the world, minorities value their things like no other. If I’m living in Paris with a Chinese family, then I would expect to take my shoes off at the front door. There are some rules that can’t be unlearned and we travel with us to every part of the world.
- If I’m living with an Argentinian family, I would suspect that it would be rude for me to bring takeout food in the home when they have been cooking a home cooked meal.
- Shaking a Nigerian person’s hand with my left or eating with my left hand is an absolute no. Many Africans and Middle eastern see it as ill-mannered to eat or write with your left hand, so I’ll have to train myself to use my right around them.
& Community : The Homestay Experience
Imagine This:
It's your third week at the elegant , University Of Bordeaux. While some of your local friends complain about their harsh living quarters. Bathroom Leaks, broken heaters, and one ant too many; your experience is rather pleasant.
A first generation Middle Eastern Family picked you as the student guest at their house. The mom , Nyla thinks you're incredibly well mannered for always offering to wash the dishes after dinner. She knows that you've made a few mistakes along the way. Like, when you didn't refuse the candy the family offered twice before accepting. Or Crossing your legs when you were getting to know the family that first week.
However, this one signal changed everything. The man of the house asks you to take out the trash, and you give him a thumbs up as a response.
Things were never the same again.
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