While Algerian society has experienced centuries of internal migration and change, contemporary life has added new dimensions, 2 of which, acculturation and resettlement, are subjected to psychopathological scrutiny. This effort is focused around 2 distinct groups: those who have migrated to the city, and those who are employed by the Algerian national petroleum company. Because of modernization and industrialization efforts, traditional family bonds become ruptured as members move to the city or to industrial areas, causing crises for many, particularly among those with schizophrenic tendencies. If the father is absent because of work, the oldest son, by tradition, becomes the family head and is often subject to psychotic decompensations. Moreover, the son assumes contradictory roles of omnipotent family and obedient son. In treatment, he may show a complete resistance to all ideas of change, quoting religious tenets and traditions. Cultural illusions may conflict with the need to function as a citizen in contemporary society. (6 ref)