Culture in the home

Continuing in the same vein as the previous readings, Pader yet again reinforces the dynamic nature of culture, most specifically in terms of the developmental processes of adapting a family home to be reflective of its cultural identity and supportive of cultural activities. Focusing on spatiality, it can be said that these ". . .spatial relations [in the home] are continually reproduced and reinterpreted in their use. If spatiality were to remain stagnant, which is hardly likely, social life itself would be inconceivable" (Pader, 1993, p. 115). While the spatial construction of the home and the flow between and through rooms is largely impacted by the values of the culture in which it is built, measures can be implemented to adjust and reconfigure elements for an improved living situation.

When undergoing her Mexican and Mexican-American home-based research, Pader takes specific measures to ensure the sensitivity of her actions. I especially appreciated her attempts to include the family as active participants in her research, even encouraging the children to "[help] by holding measuring tape" (1993, p. 116). As she researches, she makes a distinction between "familism" and individualism – the former focuses on the interdependent nature of a family unit while the latter focuses on the independence of each member. Based on observations and research, Pader exerts the opinion that the spatiality of Mexican homes reinforces the family and the interactions that occur within the collective group, while American trends are lending themselves to focus on the individual – with the increased tendency towards private rooms and limited interactions fostered in the home.

Understanding the social relations that occur within the home is critical for architects and designers to consider, especially when one members of one culture take up residency in a home built by another. A value shift can be clearly evident in the layout of the homes, but it is important to note that in most cases this is a shift and not a complete schism. Just as Mexican-Americans are not forced to fully assume American culture simply because they live here, neither are they entirely forced to assume the roles set forth in the construction of their homes. Instead, what Pader mentions but does not focus on, is the fact that these people tend to adapt to their living situation, constructing situations that are more in alignment with their cultural values and perhaps even assuming some new values from the Anglo-American culture.

In class, we were able to delve more deeply into this aspect of adaptation by exploring the results of the culturally sensitive housing research of Dr. Hadjiyanni. This research evidences that the inhabitants, regardless of cultural background, are active participants in the spatial construction of their homes. Families transform the significance and functions of individual rooms as well as adjust the aesthetic preferences of their homes into those more closely aligned with their cultural identities. Effective as this might be, it is important to note that it is an adaptive measure and not the ideal situation or solution. Recognizing that people are creative problem solvers, we should question: where and under what conditions are they best allowed to adapt? As designers, it is critical for us to always consider our audience; in terms of the housing design, it may be even more crucial to understand the historical background and social characteristics of the inhabitants' cultural group in order to best design the room flow and living situation, thereby fostering ideal relationships within the home.

References:
1. Pader, E. J. (1993). Spatiality and social change: Domestic space use in Mexico and the United States. American Ethnologist, 20(1), 114-137.