How to Treat Women in Brazil

While Brazilian women were once thought of as inferior to men and often played a submissive role in the culture, advances have been made in recent years and women are gaining respect and demanding equal treatment. The number of women is expanding in both the business and political arenas. As in other countries, it is common to see women attempting to juggle a family, a career and social obligations. It is important to treat women in Brazil with respect and cordiality.

Things You'll Need

• Flowers (if visiting a woman's home)

Instructions

1. Shake hands when greeting women in Brazil. This is appropriate when saying hello and goodbye. Handshaking usually lasts for about 5 seconds. Be sure to shake hands with everyone you meet. A man should allow a woman to extend her hand first.

2. Exchange kisses. Women place their cheeks side by side and kiss the air when they meet. Kiss once on each cheek if the woman is married. Single women typically add a third kiss.

3. Use a woman's first name when you greet her. However, titles are important. Brazilians usually address priests, teachers, doctors and other titled professionals using their title followed by their first name.

4. Use nonverbal communication such as touching an arm, shoulder or back when talking to Brazilian women. People in Brazil touch often during conversation and usually stand closer when talking than Americans are used to.

5. Bring flowers to a woman if invited to her home. Flowers are considered an appropriate gift to thank a person for her hospitality. Avoid purple flowers, which are often used at funerals.

6. Treat women with respect in business dealings. Younger Brazilian women are educated and have values that resemble those of North American women. They are accepted in education, medicine, journalism and as small business owners. They tend to be aggressive in their business proceedings.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a man traveling in Brazil, it is important to realize that Brazilian women can be very aggressive romantically. It is common for a woman to pursue a man even if he is with another woman. If you do not want the attention, be cordial to keep your distance.

• Do not get offended if the woman you are talking to keeps interrupting you. She does not mean to treat you with disresect. Brazilians see this as a signal of enthusiasm rather than rudeness.

• Do not back away from a conversation if you are uncomfortable with the close interaction and frequent touching that is common in Brazil. Brazilians often resent what they perceive as rudeness of Americans, who are not accustomed to the intimate interaction that Brazilians see as simply being friendly.