Urban family and tradition in the 1980's

Abstract

The paper presents general assumptions and the topics covered of the larger study (to be published) on Serbian urban families in the 1980's. The research was carried out in four cities: Šabac, Užice, Kruševac and Bor. The larger study explores the transmission and maintenance of certain traditional customs and relationships, along with their modifications adaptations, adjustments or disappearances due to the requirements of contemporary urban life. The main assumption of the study is that the urban city family has different characteristics and functions than the rural one. The research method included a questionnaire with various questions concerning the structure of the family, income, occupations, educational level, origin, family hierarchy, property, kinship relations and so on. The research sample, which included more than 50 families from all four cities represents a good foundation for analysis and comparisons. In fact, the sample reveals a general, homogenous picture on a number of traditional elements among Serbian families in the 1980's. Additional data were collected in a few other cities. The results of this study will be compared with the author's previous studies on rural families, suburban areas and city dwellings in Serbia. The data collected so far point to the conclusion that each city has retained a number of traditional, specific features compatible with its local tradition, population origin, economy, and environment. In spite of the study limitations, it seems likely that the main assumption will be found true.

Keywords

• city
• family
• tradition
• property
• inheritance