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Epiphany: Journal of Transdisciplinary Studies, Vol. 9, No. 3, (2016) © Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
A SURVEY OF FAMILY TRANSFORMATIONS
IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Selvira Draganovic
International University of Sarajevo
Abstract
Globalization has strong impact on individuals and societies at large
and family as most the most essential and fundamental cell in society
is no exception. Nowadays, family has lost some of its basic internal
functions whilst widespread and all present technological aids, strong
needs for independence and individualism furthermore contribute to
estrangement of and family members’ alienation. At the same time,
status and roles of family members within family are changing as
well. Despite these global trends and changes, family continues to
be considered the most essential and supremely signifcant social
institution, which gratifes and serves many individual and collective
functions. Tis paper surveys family systems and transformations
in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially post-war and contemporary
family developments.
Keywords: BiH; Family; Counseling and Psychotherapy; Family
Transformations; Post-War Family.
Introduction
Family has always been a subject of interest of social as well as natural
sciences. In its essence and nature, family consists of individuals whose
genetic and psychological makeup infuences its existence, functioning
and internal dynamics. Family itself, alongside those composing it,
creates larger social picture and society in general, and both are subject
to numerous trends and changes. Diverse local, individual and global
trends and changes afect family and its members in a diferent way
whereas unhealthy (dysfunctional) families tend to be less resilient and
less able to resist them. Healthy family, on the other hand, succeeds to
fully fulfll its basic functions, creates the best conditions for growth
and maturity, self assertion and self expression for its members and
has clear norms for internal and intra-familial roles (Sedrakyan, 2014).
Tus, healthy family tends to be more resilient and serves as foundation
for a healthy and strong society.
DOI:10.21533/epiphany.v9i2.245