Budapest Society

Family Structures: Nuclear family with many families living together in multi-generational homes.

Neighbor Relations: Privacy is highly valued in this society and relations between neighbors tend to be better in residential neighborhoods as opposed to high-rise apartment buildings where people are living in closer quarters.

Authority/Rule: Elders and heads of families tend to have the authoritative role. Social and political committees are also respected and their decisions are generally enforced. Centralized decision-making process.

Cultural Change Pace: Slow to medium. With Budapest being a culture center, it is exposed to many more changes than the more traditional parts of Hungary. Change generally takes place in Budapest first and then spreads into mainstream Hungarian culture.

Self Image: Hungary is among the world leaders in depression and suicide annually. Hungarians often adopt a national defensive posture due to a history of invasions and conquering.

Judicial/Punishment: Constitutional court system.

Celebrations: National holidays such as Szent István’s Day (Independence Day) on August 20, War of Independence Memorial (March 15), The 1956 Revolution Memorial (October 23). Weddings, birthdays and name-days are celebrated as well.

Recreations: Outdoor sports such as soccer, rowing, canoeing, and nature hikes are very popular. Indoor team sports such as handball, water polo and table tennis are also very popular. Activities such as shopping, movies, theaters, concerts and relaxing at a coffee shop or “söröző” (local pub) are popular activities for passing time and unwinding.

Art Forms: Music, choir, painting, canvassing and sculpting.

- by Mark Aderholt, F. Strategy Coordinator, Budapest, IMB

Budapest, art, authority, change, community, family, holidays, judicial, recreations, self image