What generalizations about family life in the US do you think Russians might make if a group of them visited and each stayed with a different family, such as your family and those of seven of your friends? To what extent do you think they would have a clear understanding of what American family life is like?
Our traveling study group decided that it was difficult to make good generalizations because our experience base was so narrow. However, we thought people might be interested in some observations based on the experiences that we did have.
The first was the high level of hospitality and warmth that each of us felt immediately after connecting with our families. They had made arrangements to share their homes and their lives, and made us feel that they were really happy that we were there.
A second point that was apparent was the limited number of children each family had. One or two children per family seemed to be the limit. However, extended families were very common. Several families had a grandparent, aunt or adult children living with them. The enlarged family also spent a great deal of time together in the evenings. The evening meal had everyone seated at the table. After the homework was finished, the children and adults would join in playing games, reading or watching TV.
The welfare of the family was a main concern. The days were planned around making sure that the members were coordinated and there was a constant awareness of the future and what it might bring.
