DATA FOR THIS PAPER WERE OBTAINED FROM EXAMINATION OF AVAILABLE LITERATURE AND FROM FIELD WORK IN SAN MIGUEL AND MORA COUNTIES OF NORTHERN NEW MEXICO. THE EXTENDED PATRIARCHAL FAMILY WAS THE PRIMARY SOCIAL SYSTEM AMONG THE SPANISH AMERICANS, OFTEN CONSISTING OF MEMBERS OF THREE OR FOUR GENERATIONS HEADED BY THE GRANDFATHER. THIS FAMILY COOPERATED AS A SINGLE, TIGHTLY KNIT, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL UNIT. DOMINANCE AND AUTHORITY WERE RELATED TO SEX AND AGE -THE MALES WERE DOMINANT OVER FEMALES AND THE OLDER MEMBERS HAD AUTHORITY OVER THE YOUNGER FAMILY MEMBERS. THE PRESSURES OF URBANIZATION, INDUSTRIALIZATION, AND LAND LOSSES HAVE BROKEN THIS TRADITIONAL FAMILY PATTERN IN ALL BUT THE MOST REMOTE VILLAGES. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE LOWER-CLASS SPANISH AMERICAN FAMILY TO URBAN LIVING DEPENDS UPON THE HUSBAND'S SALARY. IF IT IS NOT ADEQUATE, THE WIFE MUST SEEK EMPLOYMENT, THUS STRENGTHENING HER ROLE AND DIMINISHING THE HUSBAND'S ROLE. THE MORE EDUCATED AND ACCULTURATED SPANISH AMERICAN FAMILIES TEND TO EMULATE THE NUCLEAR FAMILY MODEL OF THE ANGLO AMERICAN. (SF)