Abstract
The purpose of this research was the study of specifics of interpersonal relations and social roles of husband and wife in families of Kazakh ethnos. The object of the research was Kazakh families living in rural and urban areas and with different language of communication. Families of Russian ethnos living in Kazakhstan were studied as a control group. The sample volume was 204 families (408 people). The research used systematic approach. A range of social and psychological techniques were applied to study interpersonal relations and social roles in the family. Results of the research demonstrated that in a modern Kazakh family, interpersonal relations undergo the transformation from traditional type, with mandatory leadership of man and the rigid distribution of responsibilities between husband and wife, to the modern egalitarian type. Transformation and widening of spectrum of male roles in the family can be observed. Alongside with transformation of marital relations, there is a certain commitment to national culture and traditions. This is manifested in the family-centric and children-centric orientation, the importance of observance of rituals on all stages of life of every family member and the family as a whole.