Matka, babička, kmotra - tři ženy v dětském světě

The field research focused on social life of children between the years 1920 and 1950 was realized in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and surrounding villages. It showed that the stratification of the adult society together with the geographical position of place of residence had direct influence on family relations. Mother was thought of as the heart of the family, she often played the role of a protector and negotiator, but at the same time she was regarded as an authority and in case of father’s inability to control the family, she took over this function. Grandmother’s task was to look after children in parents’ absence. The relationship between her and her grandchildren depended on whether she was local or lived elsewhere. The relationship with godmother was mostly formal, children received presents from her and if parents died, she was expected to take care of children. In other families, godmother was children’s close friend to whom they could come with all their troubles.