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The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica

Product ID : 16231726


Galleon Product ID 16231726
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About The Ticos: Culture And Social Change In Costa Rica

Product Description Written with the perspective of more than half a century of first-hand observation, this unparalleled social and cultural history describes how Costa Rica's economy, government, education and health-care systems, family structures, religion, and other institutions have evolved, and how this evolution has affectedCand reflectedCpeople's daily lives, beliefs, and their values. The authors are particularly concerned with change and continuity since the economic crisis of the early 1980s and the structural adjustment that followed. Providing a comprehensive introduction to a country they know well, the Biesanzes also contribute astutely to an understanding of the reciprocal influence of structural adjustment and national culture. From Library Journal Costa Rica is unique among Latin American cultures. Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves, have a higher standard of living than their neighbors, with a higher literacy rate, a well-developed social security system, widespread access to electrical power, and a traditional system of education. Much more than a land of coffee and bananas, Costa Rica boasts more teachers than soldiers?it has even abolished its army. This book is divided into 11 chapters covering history, government and politics, the economy, the family, education, and religion. The authors draw on their experiences in the country, interviews with people from all walks of Costa Rican life, and secondary sources. The result is a solid monograph on Costa Rica that points out the contradictions in its perception by the rest of the world. The conclusions dwell on Costa Ricans' distrust of changes that await the country in future decades. Recommended for academic libraries and public libraries that collect in the history and culture of our neighbors to the South.?Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Lib., AL Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. Review When I was researching Costa Rica as a candidate place for retirement, despite some effort, I was unable to find much literature beyond the standard travel and retirement guides and a few rather dry tomes of some international institutions. I was therefore delighted to come across and read The Ticos. The writing is a nice blend of hard facts and well-researched statistics with deductions from personal interviews, all of which is neatly intertwined with astute personal observation and personal anecdotes. It is very well-written. The language flows as easily as in a good novel. All in all, a most interesting book. I strongly recommend it to foreign residents of Costa Rica. I equally recommend it to those considering Costa Rica as a country for residence, whether for retirement or business. --Chris Couzens, La Voz, June 1999When a new book by the Biesanzes comes out, observers of Costa Rica sit up and take note. The Ticos, a penetrating analysis of this society, is downright enjoyable reading, even for those who know (or care) little about this corner of Latin America. --Rod Hughes, The Tico Times, December 24, 1998 About the Author The late Mavis Hiltunen Biesanz was author (with John Biesanz) of Costa Rican Life and The People of Panama and (with Richard and Karen Biesanz) The Costa Ricans. Her publications also included multiple editions of Modern Society: An Introduction to Social Science and Introduction to Sociology. She was a resident of Costa Rica since 1971 to her death in 2008. Richard Biesanz is professor of sociology and anthropology at Corning Community College. Karen Zubris Biesanz writes on Costa Rican society.