Marriage, Family and Kinship

Slovenian society is still focused on the extended family despite decades of socialism. Family connections more strictly define rights and obligations than in the West. Although the average age for a first marriage has increased, marriage is considered crucial for sustaining and deepening family relationships. Influences from religion and culture contribute to the low divorce rate.

In cities, the household unit consists of married individuals, their children, if any, and occasionally older relatives. Extensive families live together or share property in rural settings; these families are frequently larger than those found in cities. Inability to care for oneself relatives frequently live with family.

Before the twentieth century, family-based groups known as zadruga shared ownership of property and land farming. The duties and privileges of members of the zadruga were governed by both formal and customary law.