In the nineteenth century, extended family households called zadrugas lived in a single household or homestead and worked the land as a single economic unit. Zadrugas today are much smaller, often with only two brothers and their families, but are still common. Most range from 6 to 10 members. The vamilija, the lineage or clan group, is the next most important social unit after the zadruga. It consists of a number of households tracing descent patrilineally from a common ancestor and sharing a common name and the same patron saint.
Descent is always in the male line.
It is these units that often occupy the same neighborhood. A godfather presides at christenings, first birthdays, and marriage ceremonies. After the vamilija, the village is the next most important social unit. It is administered by a village council, elected by the people, which decides questions affecting local affairs. The federal government deals with education and agriculture.