Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Greek Way of Life
What crisis? Visitors may be forgiven for wondering about the state of the
nation when they see Athens' bustling cafes and what appears to be busi-
ness as usual on the Greek islands. The Greek way of life took a major hit
as austerity measures further sunk the country into recession, but it's not in
the Greeks' nature to retreat into the gloom.
Debunking the myth of the lazy Greek, OECD research suggests Greeks actually work
longer hours than their European and US counterparts, though they have lower productiv-
ity and labour participation rates. Greek wages are amongst Europe's lowest and living
costs amongst the highest.
National Psyche
Greeks have always shared good and bad times in the company of family and friends;
they've danced when sad or defiant and sought solace in their country's rich culture and
simple pleasures. Someone will always buy an unemployed youth a coffee, or their yiayia
(grandmother) will give them hatziliki (pocket money) from her shrunken pension.
Greek values and the national character came under attack during the crisis - with
Greeks universally characterised as lazy, leisure-loving, corrupt tax-evaders recklessly
bringing Europe to the brink of economic collapse. The realities are far more complex -
for every 'lazy' Greek there are hard-working people juggling two jobs to provide for
their families.
Greeks pride themselves on their
filotimo
, a hard-to-translate Greek concept that under-
pins society's cultural norms. It encompasses personal and family honour, respect and loy-
alty to parents and grandparents, sacrifice and help for friends and strangers alike, pride in
country and heritage, and gratitude and hospitality. Though some would argue it has been
eroded, the concept remains an important part of Greek identity.
The Greeks also generously extend their
filoxenia
(hospitality). Despite the current fisc-
al problems, the average Greeks will still lavish you with free drinks, fresh cake from their
kitchen, and the warmth they have always been famous for. Curious by nature, as well as
passionate, loyal and fiery, Greeks engage in animated personal and political discussions
rather than polite small-talk. Nothing is off limits for conversation, and you may find
yourself quizzed as to why you haven't got children, why you're not married and how
much you earn. They can be fervently patriotic, nationalistic and ethnocentric. Issues are
debated with strong will. Greeks are unashamed about staring and blatantly observing
