Overview
A older retired American female sommelier student is taking classes in Tuscany Italy. The Italian teaching culture is patriarchal and formal. It is both prohibitive and inhibitive to attempt to change the learning model, and it is implicitly understood that one should not try to. Outside subjects that are not related directly to the course arealso prohibitive. This general position was perceived as unpleasant and emotionally taxing. As part of the emotionally taxing learning environment is the different standards between the genders. An illustration of this is: Within the class of 33 students, 3 are women. One evening there is a tasting class, the event wraps up around 23:30 in the evening, however the following morning there is another class, so the room needs to be cleaned and put back together. The 3 women proceed to tidied the room while the men linger and talk amongst themselves. The American woman did her part, then went to the lecturer and stated she had contributed and if he wanted further cleaning, he should ask any of the men who had still not offered to help.
Hofstede Dimensions: Italy/ United States of America
https://tcps.institute/cultural_bridges_tool.html
Outcome
This particular stance taken by the American was not appreciated. Instead of being perceived as assertive and forth coming, the lecturer rolled his eyes and cultural misappropriation was super imposed on the situation. She is instead perceived as a ballbuster,and a violator of the unwritten social rules. It is implicitly understood that her role is to be submissive toward her lecturer, a man, and her fellow male peers.
Best Practice for non-Italians: Within Italy, it is necessary for each individual woman to break her own barrier, to be recognised within her field. In other less patriarchal cultures, women have been breaking the glass ceiling faster and more efficiently. Italy takes a very stoic position on the gender roles in society and prides itself in maintaining tradition. For any female sommelier, importers, retailers, hospitality staff, wine bloggers or wine enthusiasts, respecting such traditions are important, however positive change can occur. See case study 2.
Key language
Patriarchal Gender Roles, American, Italian, Sommelier, Wine, Culture