El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated nation in Central America; its capital is San Salvador.

Learn more about El Salvador.  Map of El Salvador. 

Demographics

• Population: 7,066,403 (July 2008 est.)

• Life expectancy at birth: total population 72.06 years, male 68.45 years, female 75.84 years (2008 est.)

• Religions: Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.9%, Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8% (2003 est.)

• Ethnic groups: Mestizo* 90%, White 9%, Amerindian 1% 

• Infant mortality rate: 22.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2008 est.)

*Mestizo is a mixture of Indian and European.

Culture

Gender Roles and Family Structure

The constitution grants equal legal rights to men and women, although there are still issues with violence and discrimination. Preferential treatment to men is widespread throughout education and the workplace, and women are often not provided with equal respect. For example, male children have first priority to receiving education in families that cannot afford to send all their children to school. Also, men hold a large majority of management positions, and will be considered ahead of females when applying for jobs and promotions.  Even if they work outside of the home, women are usually solely responsible for taking care of the children and the cleaning duties. However, men are usually considered the primary income providers and the leaders of the family unit. Since the war, there have been a large number of single women who are the head of the household. Collectivism is predominant in the Salvadoran culture, meaning that extended family members are responsible for one another and can depend on each other to provide basic needs. Children also have a specified role within the Salvadoran culture. It is very important for them to show respect to those in authority and to promptly obey an adult's command. Punishment for disobedience may be a physical reprimand or “shaming” (complaining about the child where other adults can hear).El Salvador has been ranked as having high uncertainty avoidance. This information indicates that people of the Salvadoran culture generally have a desire to have strict rules and policies, like to have control over a situation, and tend to avoid the unexpected.

Healthcare and View of Disability

Most of the medical facilities are found within El Salvador's capital, San Salvador. Government expenditures on healthcare needs have increased since the end of the war, and the government has sought to rectify the many human rights violations that occurred during the civil conflict. Healthcare needs have been significant in recent years. The civil war left many people with disabilities, although few within the government healthcare facilities have been adequately trained to treat persons with disabilities. The government requires buildings to be accessible to people with disabilities, and requires employers to hire 1 person with disabilities for every 25 employees, although this is not enforced. Due to poor record keeping by businesses, the actual number of employed persons with disabilities in El Salvador is unknown. Transportation and accessibility issues have prevented many with disabilities from receiving education. However, there are many private organizations devoted to advocating for people with disabilities within El Salvador. The Salvadoran Rehabilitation Institute for the Disabled provides several services, including special education, medical treatment, counseling, and professional training opportunities for people with disabilities. Funding to such organizations has been documented as insufficient.

Social Considerations

Social etiquette in Salvadoran culture involves refraining from yawning in front of others, not pointing at anyone, maintaining good eye contact, and making appointments well in advance. It is also considered important to spend time building positive relationships and friendships with those with whom you work. Relationships with others are a very important part of this culture. If invited to a home in El Salvador, it is for solely a social gathering and it is polite to bring a small gift. Handshakes are common, but some people just nod to greet one another. Traditionally, when a man and a woman shake hands, the woman should to be the first to extend her hand. Titles are important in El Salvador, so always use the title before the name (such as Doctor, or Mr. or Mrs. if no title). In addition, refrain from discussing politics and religion in conversation, as it is considered impolite.

Language

Spanish is spoken by almost everyone in El Salvador. Nahuatl is the language that was spoken by the majority of the population centuries ago and is now only spoken by a few. The Kekchí and Lenca indigenous languages are also spoken by some. English is also understood among many within the country, mainly within tourist regions.

Implications for the SLP

There are around 150,000 people in El Salvador who have communication disorders, and only 40 to 50 speech-language pathologists. The speech-language pathologists in El Salvador graduate with a degree in special education and learn the rest while working, thus not receiving any formal education related to communication disorders. The speech-language pathologist in the U.S. should be aware that families from El Salvador may not have previously encountered the speech-language pathology profession, and even if they have, may be unfamiliar with certain therapy goals and strategies. In addition, as discussed above in the “social considerations” section, when Salvadorans invite someone to their home, the visit is considered a social function. The SLP will want to take this information into consideration during home treatment sessions, and possibly discuss the purpose of the home visit over the phone beforehand. Also, as discussed above, SLPs should schedule appointments with Salvadoran families as far in advance as possible. This demonstrates respect for the family, and may also increase the likelihood of the family attending the meeting at the scheduled day and time. The SLP will also want to remember that relationships are very important in Salvadoran culture, and it would be beneficial for the SLP to spend time building positive relationships with Salvadoran families.

Original Contributor: Tiffany Daiber, Winter Term 2009