The Arab Family and Modernity: Evidence From Kuwait
Author(s)
Al-Thakeb, Fahed T.
Abstract
This paper is concerned with the Arab family, an institution in transition. It seeks to examine a number of key assumptions regarding the Arab family in general and the Kuwaiti family in particular. Several dimensions of the family are discussed, including types and size of the family, family-kin relationships, types of marriage, mate selection, and intermarriage. Among the important findings reported is that the nuclear family is not only prevalent but the preferred form. Traditional family-kin relationships remain strong. Marriage among relatives, especially first cousins, remains a dominant pattern. Parents’ influence in mate selection is waning, especially in regard to sons. Intermarriage with non-Kuwaitis is infrequent. There is considerable variation in these patterns in terms of a number of socio-demographic and other variables. The author conjectures that further changes may take place, but the Arab family will not necessarily follow the Western pattern.
