Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
need. Mauritians are usually married by the age of 25. The majority of wives stay home to
raise the family, while the husband earns the daily bread. Arranged marriages are still the
norm among Indian families, while the Hindu caste system has also been replicated to
some degree. Among all groups, religion and religious institutions continue to play a cent-
ral role in community life.
As with elsewhere, this very traditional pattern is starting to break down as the younger
generation grows more individualistic and more Westernised. They are far more likely to
socialise with people from other communities, and intermarriage is on the rise. Other
forces for change are the rise in consumerism and the emergence of a largely Indian and
Chinese middle class. Middle-class couples are more likely to set up their own home and
to have fewer children, while the wife may even go out to work. Statistics also show a
slight decline in the number of marriages, while the divorce rate has doubled over the last
20 years.
Women's equality still has a long way to go in Mauritius. Many women have to accept
low-paid, unskilled jobs, typically in a textile factory or as a cleaner. Even highly quali-
fied women can find it hard to get promotions in the private sector, though they do better
in the public service. In 2003 the government passed a Sex Discrimination Act and set up
an independent unit to investigate sex discrimination cases, including sexual harassment
at work. The unit's also charged with raising awareness levels and educating employers
about equal opportunities.
People of Mauritius
Mauritius is made up of five ethnic groups: Indo-Mauritian (68%), Creole (27%), Sino-
Mauritian (3%), Franco-Mauritian (1%) and the new kids on the block - South African
expats (1%). Another small group you might come across are the Chagos Islanders.
