algerians familly life; some information :) algerian familly ife : The family is the most important societal unit in Algeria. Before independence in 1962, the most common family unit was an extended family which included grandparents as well as married children and their families. It also could include related adults such as cousins, uncles and aunts. After independence however, the sizes of families in Algeria for the most part decreased. It now usually consists of the husband, wife and unmarried children. This way of life began to change drastically since independence with a trend towards smaller families and more independent lives. This in no way changed the hugely important ideals of loyalty, respect and honor. Honor is extremely important and to shame the family is one of the worst things a person could do in Algerian culture. The purity of women was also an important element to family life in Algerian society. Before independence, this was so important as to govern a woman’s entire life. They spent most of their lives behind the walls of their homes or courtyards. If they were to go out in public, veiling of the face was mandatory. Seeing men a woman was not related to was strictly forbidden. After independence however, women began to enjoy more liberties. This happened mostly to the improved education of their families, economic and social development, and the increasing female work force. Before 1980, Algeria had no national birth control program. This was different then most Arab countries. Almost all had family planning programs or family size limits. This was due partly to a general idea of the people that the country was not overpopulated, considering the amount of desert Algeria contains. There also was an idea that the alleged 1.5 million deaths during independence should be made up. Population growth rates soon rose drastically and a family planning program was put in place. The plan was referred to as ‘birth spacing’ rather then ‘birth control’ and was given the blessing of the countries Islamic leaders. Maternal and Infant Protection Centers were founded all over the country. They distributed contraceptives as well as launched an educational program with billboards, television ads and pamphlets. By the late 1980’s, demand for the resources these centers provided was more then the supply.