In the article I have found describing Peru as "A State of Decay", I discovered what the ideal Peruvian family lives like in today's society. Until the 1950's, most rural families in Peru lived in one-room houses. These houses were built from twigs and the roofs were made of grass or palm thatch. Those who lived in the cities lived in overcrowded and unsanitary slums. By the 1950's, most families moved out of these slums and into something called squatter homes. These squatter homes were built from cardboard, old metal, and other scraps they were able to find. This way of living was in some way for the good since by living in their squatter homes, there was no charge for rent. Therefore, whatever money these people made was saved up for the eventual building of their own home. The government encouraged this way of living and helped them by providing running water

Health in Peru is a very severe situation, especially when it comes to women in childbirth. Most women give birth without having seen a doctor throughout their entire pregnancy. Usually midwives are the only ones in attendance during childbirth. The risk during childbirth has little to do with the fact that there is no doctor present. It has more to do with the fact that pregnant women continue their work in the fields and in the household. Another factor in the frequent complications during childbirth is the fact that these mothers are often no older than age 15. "The most serious health problem faced by Peruvian women is indisputably that of controlling and spacing births. 80% of all women say that they have more children then they desired to have"(author unknown, pg. 6).

In conclusion, I have learned a great deal about the lives of Peruvian families. I am partly shocked by what I've learned yet I find it interesting learning about other societies and how they live each and every day.

I found in the article, "Retreat from Utopia", a description of a typical Peruvian marriage. "Throughout their marriage, the partners retain a rough equality, though, ideally, wives are held subordinate to husbands".

Some common words found in the essay are:
Beatas Tapadas, Peru Decay, Health Peru, Retreat Utopia, PERUVIAN SOCIETY, squatter homes, peruvian society, marriage remains hers, tapada shawl, shawl worn, marriage remains, beatas tapadas, peruvian women, remains hers, today's society,
Approximate Word count = 826
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)