Family therapy in a transitional society

This paper is concerned with the application and adaptation of traditional models of family therapy as developed in Western societies, to the understanding and therapy of families in a society where the sociopolitical structures are changing rapidly. References were found in the literature only in connection with certain ethnic groups (Gray and Cosgrove 1985; McGoldrick-Pearce 1982), religious fellowships (Aradi 1988), and sociopolitical contexts (Auerswald 1983; Elkaim 1982). The authors began to deal with these phenomena several years ago. Our first publication examined differences in religious, social, and class relations within the family and the way in which these factors affect family roles and their implementation (Füredi et al. 1989). Subsequent events directed our interest to the effects of political changes on family relationships and what the strategy of the family therapist could be in this situation.