strange explanation I heard from my SIL for formula feeding

My SIL explained that her parents fled to NYC from the Czech Republic having to leave everything behind due to communism. When they arrived in the US it was considered a privilege or you had higher status if you could afford formula. I also feel my moms generation were also more private about breastfeeding. My mom said she tried with my oldest brother but she felt so housebound because it wasn't common to breastfeed at all in public or with family. My mom and all her siblings were formula fed and also my mom formula fed all of us because of convenience and privacy.

I live in Germany and my MIL is way more open about it, doesn't think twice about being in my presence when I'm breastfeeding... my German friends whip their breast out anywhere even in front of a room full of our guy friends (I would never) but I feel like this because my culture influenced me to think that breastfeeding should be a private matter. 

My SIL used formula right away because all of her family did as well... she also said there are no longitudinal studies proving breastfeeding is more beneficial. 

Did you follow in your families tradition of breastfeeding or formula? Did you witness cultural differences?