Why do the Portuguese people have such low self-esteem?

As a Portuguese native, this is a question that has always haunted me. Still does. And to an extent, it haunts most of the Portuguese people. I feel this post fits well under my menopausal journey, as a result of my current self-search.

---

They may try to deny it, but the truth is this question seems to have deep cultural roots. There are however, so many contradictions where, as a nation, we are brought up to be ambitious yet humble, and suffer from long-term comparisonitis when we put ourselves below other European countries. We’re not good enough, yet we love to boast when our fellow natives achieve and do see our own reflection in them.

Honouring my adventurous roots, emigrating and living abroad opened that narrow perspective, allowing me to get to know other cultures (without any disrespect). Today, I am undeniably Portuguese and prouder to be Portuguese than ever before.

Although I am not a full AI supporter, I do think it has great potential to bring benefits to humankind, provided it is impartially regulated. We can learn and more deeply understand our nature and ultimately better ourselves.

As such, in this quest, I asked the question to ChatGPT, and this was its response:

– It’s probably more accurate to say that some Portuguese people experience a cultural tendency toward modesty, self-criticism or pessimism, rather than that Portuguese people inherently have low self-esteem.

There are several historical and cultural factors that can contribute:

A culture of humility: Portuguese social norms often discourage openly boasting about achievements. Being too self-confident can sometimes be perceived as arrogance, so people may downplay their abilities.

“Fado” and saudade: Portuguese culture has a long tradition of expressing melancholy, longing and resignation. This doesn’t mean Portuguese people are unhappy, but these themes can reinforce a tendency to focus on what is missing or difficult.

Historical experience: Portugal spent much of the 20th century under the Estado Novo dictatorship, followed by a relatively difficult transition and significant emigration. Older generations in particular grew up with scarcity and limited social mobility.

Economic comparisons: Portugal has historically had lower wages and productivity than many Western European countries. Constant comparison with countries such as Britain, France, Germany or the US can contribute to a sense that Portugal—and sometimes Portuguese people themselves—are “not good enough.”

Emigration: Millions of Portuguese people have historically left for better-paid opportunities abroad. This can create a cultural message that success means leaving, rather than succeeding at home.

Family upbringing: Portuguese families can be quite protective and sometimes highly critical of children. Praise may be less openly expressed than in some cultures, while mistakes can receive considerable attention.

The contrast between private and public confidence: Someone may be extremely capable and successful but still say “não sou nada de especial” (“I’m nothing special”). What sounds like low self-esteem to an outsider can partly be a culturally learned form of modesty.

There is also an interesting distinction: Portuguese people may be relatively self-critical without actually having low self-worth. Someone can think “Portugal is a mess and I could do much better” while simultaneously being very proud of their family, food, culture and country. –

I found it a pretty accurate summary. We have so many good things going for us that all those other cultures have started to look at Portugal and take our people more seriously, that we should really be more proud of our roots. I think that could be a huge step towards levelling our worth to that of other “better” countries.