Discussed are theoretical and empirical points regarding parental roles in Yugoslavia, with a view toward practical implications for all society. Content focuses on (1) the importance of the change of maternal and paternal roles from the complementary, traditional type of relationship to a reciprocity of parental activities in childrearing; and (2) how the traditional type of motherhood and fatherhood affects the development of personality and interpersonal relationships. Particular attention is given to explaining the domination of women by men in traditional society. In view of the discussion it is recommended that the education of children should be equally distributed between fathers and mothers in the family and between men and women in the wider social community, that all organized social forces involved in youth education should systematically work to develop strategies and methods for moving beyond traditional parental roles, and that in all social contracts, self-management agreements, resolutions, and other documents, emphasis should be given to the measures needed to enable both parents to take equal care of their young children. (RH)