USMA: Panamanian Culture and Consumer Behaviors #HogsAbroad

Yesterday, we went to the Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua to listen to a lecture on Panamanian culture and customs. In his lecture, what I thought the most interesting was that Panamanian people do not consider themselves Central American partially because of the different Independence Day than many of other countries in the Central America. I believe that having a firm relationship with the Unites States through the canal identifies themselves from other Latin countries as well.

 

When Dr. Fong said that Panamanian consumers prefer well-known brands, it made clearly made sense. Their strong and distinct identity leads to their desire to be seen in the high socioeconomic status. Indeed, when we went to a shopping mall, I saw as many as high brand shops as I see in the cities in the United States. For clothing and apparel business, it is important to investigate how culture is influencing the thoughts on the socioeconomic status and eventually their consuming behaviors. 

 

After coming back, we had a chance to go watch an international soccer game in the city. When Cristal and I tried to get some beer in the stadium, I was shocked by how people do not make any line to get drinks. They were shouting out what they want at the counter, and whoever caught the attention of the barman got a drink first. Being a Japanese, “first come, first serve” system was a common sense, but I truly realized that commonsense in a place does not necessary apply to other parts of the world.

Yuki

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Read more from Yuki at  https://yukiinpanama.wordpress.com/

Learn more about studying abroad as a Walton college student at: http://walton.uark.edu/global/

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