THE GEORGIAN FAMILY IN THE TRANSITION CONDITIONS

İSMAİL ÖZSOY

ABSTRACT

The process of democratization and transition to the market economy in
Georgia has in the first place brought about the re-distribution of rights and
obligations between the state and its citizens. Drastic socio-political changes
have radically altered ways of life, leading to the emergence of unemployment,
marginalization of certain individuals and groups, deterioration of once officially
recognized standards and systems of values, and a sharp rise in the social and
economic activities of people. Migration for the purposes of conducting trade or
seeking long-term employment have become quite common. As for the impact
of democratization and the market economy on Georgian family, it is clear that
Georgia still remains a traditional country. According to the Georgian culture
and traditions wife is responsible for well-being and morality as well as for
bringing up children. However, as time passes this pattern is getting obsolete.
With the increased westernization, Georgian women assume more independent
roles and care much more about their professional lives, which is not fiercely
protested by their partners. The results of the questionnaire displayed changing
tendencies, though it was also obvious that in some respects situation has not
changed significantly. That it is desirable to conduct such studies at a regular basis
in order to be able to obtain more reliable data and to draw much more intelligent
and relevant conclusions.