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The article discusses the findings of a study which compared family and society values in Belgium and the Netherlands. A significantly large number of Belgians as compared to Dutch believe that parents must do their best for their children, that both father and mother are necessary for children and that having children is a necessary life achievement for women. In comparison, Dutch were more acceptable of unmarried motherhood, extramarital relations, relations under the legal age, homosexuality and prostitution. However, the scores were nearly identical on conditions that were considered necessary for a happy marriage. Both Dutch and Belgians emphasized the importance of couples having same political and religious opinions, sufficient income and an adequate housing.