Family

For Syrians, the family is the most significant component of existence. It is said to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and distant relatives in addition to the nuclear family. Relationships with one's extended family are highly appreciated and serve as an essential social, emotional, and financial support network. Since many families have been broken up by conflict and violence, it is impossible to generalize about the contemporary Syrian family structure. Additionally, many households are being supported by relatives who have jobs abroad and send money home. However, multiple generations will typically coexist wherever possible.

In Syria, a family's reputation, standing, and honor define its members. People frequently prioritize the reputation of their family over their own wants because they are worried about dishonoring their family. The accomplishment or behavior of one person can affect how others view the entire family. To preserve their honor, the family takes great care to protect each member's privacy, particularly that of the females. If someone does deviate from social norms or standards, their family members may concede and downplay their guilt or even exclude them from the group.

Children in Syria are taught to respect and obey their parents. To prevent committing their own mistakes, they must pay attention to, trust in, and act upon their parents' life experience. Parents frequently give their children stern reprimands to correct behavior when they do make mistakes. A child should share the same political, social, and religious beliefs as their family. Disobedience of parental requests or departure from their beliefs is quite dishonorable.

The family dynamic is patriarchal; the father or oldest man in the family has the most power and is expected to provide for the family financially. In disagreements, he usually has the upper hand; in divorce processes, it will be assumed that the children belong to him by default. Even while older males decide family decisions, women and younger men frequently negotiate and take other non-aggressive measures to accomplish their own objectives.

Families are also patrilineal, with male lineage serving as the basis for descent. Depending on the family's religion, specific circumstances may change, but in general, only men can inherit property or carry on a family name.