ABSTRACT
Over a period of more than 300 years, Argentinean family customs and ways of life were shaped by the influence of colonial rule. At the turn of the twentieth century the family was modified by European immigration. Subsequently, economic and political turmoil have produced changes with major consequences. Currently, the contradictions between the traditional and the modern can be seen at various levels. Because the family structure remains more or less patriarchal in nature, the changing position of women accounts for many crises. In this predominantly Catholic country, in which divorce became legal only in 1986, open expression of affect is highly valued and intrusion into the private life of family members is commonplace as well as parental overprotection. Leaving home is problematic for youths, with regressions and developmental lags often not acknowledged. These characteristics and how they impinge on therapy will be described in a clinical vignette. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <docdelivery@haworthpress.com> Website: <https://www.HaworthPress.com" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">https://www.HaworthPress.com> © 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
