THE IMPACT OF PRESERVING ETHNIC CHARACTERISTICS ON FAMILY BEHAVIORAL NORMS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CLIMATE IN AZERBAIJANI FAMILIES

Abstract

The family is the most important foundation of society and its further existence. It has an exceptional role in raising the cultural level of social life and in its development. Customs and ethnic characteristics are essential for shaping family relations and daily life. Therefore, the study of the ethnic characteristics of people is considered one of the most significant issues in the social sciences. The Azerbaijani people hold the family as sacred, believing that the nation's spirit and spirituality reside within each family's life, ensuring the transmission of traditions and ethnic characteristics from generation to generation. Every nation possesses its unique ethnic characteristics and traditions. These play a crucial role in the establishment and formation of the family unit. When a girl is chosen to start a family, attention is paid not only to the girl herself but, crucially, to her lineage. The proverb, "Look at her mother, get her daughter" has become a significant selection criterion. Ethnic characteristics and loyalty to traditions are also reflected in the daily life of the family. Another prominent issue that attracts attention when forming a family is the age difference between partners. This holds a great socio-psychological meaning. A specific age of marriage, refined over centuries, has been formed. Girls marrying a boy older than themselves (girls mature both physiologically and psychologically faster than boys) was valued as the strength of the family. The archetype of “children” has a special meaning in Azerbaijani families. “May you see your children’s goodness!”– This is a great blessing in the Azerbaijani sense. The stability of the Azerbaijani families and the lower divorce rates compared to other nations are related to the attitude towards children. Special attention is paid to the upbringing of girls and her dignified, modest, and self-respected behavior. Within the family, girls are taught to behave like “little ladies.” Conversely, the basis of family upbringing for boys is instilling them with masculine qualities. In the Azerbaijani family, loyalty, trust, friendship, and confidentiality have always been highly valued. When women and mothers educate their children and prepare them for future social life by teaching them the moral norms and rules of behavior in society. In short, when giving advice, they have an important role and responsibility to turn to ethnic materials and traditions and use them appropriately.