ABSTRACT
The evolution of family education policies, or the lack thereof, in the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic (GDR), are discussed, followed by a brief analysis of the dilemmas this presents to those in the new states of Germany. The family plays a central role in German tradition. Even in the middle of the nineteenth century it had been identified as the primary cell or "germ cell" of society and the state. One might conclude that West Germany has given great attention to family education activities; however, these activities were never a part of a centralized, uniform state policy. Policies often conveyed contradictory messages and biased perspectives that characterize most open and pluralist societies. The collapse of the GDR has brought with it added responsibilities for the family. Even school came to occupy increasing amounts of a young person's time and deprived the family from playing a central role in the lives of the young.
