I was talking with a friend let's call him Ricardo, he's as well-off latin American so he might not represent poorer Latin American, however, it's a start.
America (Historically and now currently imbalance)
Strict Monogamy:
Choice of mate: One man tries to find a woman for a "validational relationship" in principle this relationship is meant to be solely based on personality and mutual compatability. Sometimes economy stability might play a role but a woman might be seen as a "gold digger" if she is too interested in money. A successful relationship is one that last a long time(years or decades).
Relationship Duties: The man and woman are meant to raise their children together and even sacrifice their job if it help them raise their children. This behavior is seen throughout all social classes where even people like George Lucas or Stephanie Meyer take an active role in raising their children. Historically it was mostly women who did the domestic duties(cleaning, cooking,raising the children) while men focus on bringing money to the household. However, nowadays it seems both partners are trying to do both roles. Moreover, the parents will act as "Moral Guardians" to the children until they are adults at this point the children are expected to live their own lives.
Actual relationship: It seems to me that this type of relationships can be "too close for comfort" for people many people around the world. For instance, I've noticed that the wife will be overly involved in the husband's life. For instance, if the husband wants to go to a stripclub that wife will want to go as well. Or every decision the husband makes he has to run it to his wife. A astute commentator told me he saw American men being "deferential" to their wives. Moreover, now in the modern time if a man cheat then he'll be severely penalized due to the current law system.
LATM(Wealthy and even other countries around the world follow similar variations)
Choice of mate: I can't generalize for everyone in LATAM but at least in my friend's case, he comes from a wealthy family. High status men will seek up "trophy" wives. The relationships is much more transactional in nature. Women will not be penalized if they want to be gold diggers and men will not be penalized if they "bought" their wives."
Relationship Duties: The woman will be there with the man in social events as well as has children with him. However, they do not raise their children together. Rather they have domestic workers who will raise their children. For instance, my friend Ricardo was mostly raise by his nanny. Now some Americans might object to this. However, some nannies are highly trained and even much more capable of raising the children. Cleaning and cooking are delegated cooks and cleaners. You might think this lifestyle is incredibly expensive, however, its not necessarily the case the cost of living is way lower.
Actual relationship: It seems to me that both men and woman are better off under this system. For instance, the woman gets to enjoy life much more. My friend's mom had an active social life. She was doing Yoga and hanging out with her friends, living a more or less carefree lifestyle. In contrast, look at British singer Lily Allen she talks about 22-30 where she "forced" to give up her party lifestyle or even social life. For the man, I feel that as long as he is proving the lifestyle for his wife and children. He seems to get "off the hook" if he cheats on his wife. As long as he keeps it on the DL. His wife doesn't expect him to be neither emotionally nor physically exclusive to her.
What do you guys think?
