DOCSLIB.ORG

The Quality of Life, Social Care and Family Relationships of Older Unmarried Saudi Women Living in Jeddah: a Qualitative Study

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Quality of Life, Social Care and Family Relationships of Older Unmarried Saudi Women Living in Jeddah: a Qualitative Study The Quality of Life, Social Care and Family Relationships of Older Unmarried Saudi Women Living in Jeddah: A Qualitative Study Seham Hassan Salamah Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Sociology Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University of Surrey September 2017 82,201 - word count Abstract __________________________________________________________________ Changes in the Saudi family structure are having profound effects on the current cohort of older Saudi women. This is reflected in living arrangements whereby family patterns have been transformed from extended to nuclear ones. Previous social research has not examined the current situation of older Saudi women, with little known about their Quality of Life (QoL). This study explores the QoL of older unmarried Saudi women by analysing their family relationships, social lives and daily activities. It examines how family relationships, social integration, health and financial aspects are influenced by social policies and gender-related issues. The study is based on in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 50 widowed, divorced and never-married women aged 60-75 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from a range of socio-economic classes; 25 lived alone and 25 lived in inter-generational households. Gender segregation was a decisive factor that adversely affected the QoL of interviewees. They were dependent on their family or maids socially, instrumentally, and some financially on the ‘Goodwill’ of their children or relatives. Older divorced women were particularly likely to experience financial and social problems. Lower class and many middle class older women who lived alone were dissatisfied and suffered from depression, isolation and loneliness, whereas higher class women living alone demonstrated greater autonomy, independence and life satisfaction. Most interviewees had poor health and multiple chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are linked to their socially and geographically restricted lives. Also, urbanization and associated cultural changes have adversely affected their QoL. Gender segregation driven by ultra-conservative patriarchy has resulted in the economic and social dependency and restricted lives of older unmarried Saudi women. State intervention is needed to improve the general situation of older women, such as establishing care homes, increasing social insurance income and providing medical insurance. 1 Declaration This thesis and the work to which it refers are the results of my own efforts. Any ideas, data, images or text resulting from the work of others (whether published or unpublished) are fully identified as such within the work and attributed to their originator in the text, bibliography or in footnotes. This thesis has not been submitted in whole or in part for any other academic degree or professional qualification. I agree that the University has the right to submit my work to the plagiarism detection service TurnitinUK for originality checks. Whether or not drafts have been so-assessed, the University reserves the right to require an electronic version of the final document (as submitted) for assessment as above. Seham Hassan Salamah 30th September 2017 2 For my beloved husband and children 3 Acknowledgements All praise and thanks to God for helping me overcome what seemed like insurmountable obstacles. Since the beginning of my PhD program, especially when I started the interviews, I have found it difficult to hear the sad stories of older Saudi women. However, amazing people supported and strongly inspired me; they are the reason I was able to complete this work. Specifically, I would like to thank the following. First, I would like to thank the participants for their time and honesty in providing the information I needed to complete this study. I would like to say to them: “Do not ever allow numbers (age) to break you. Instead, stay proud and be productive. You can do anything. Always put your trust and faith in God.” My heartfelt thanks to my PhD supervisor, Professor Sara Arber, for her constant, diligent and patient guidance as she read every word of my drafts. She provided an effective direction for the success of this thesis and also created a code to encourage me with the words “you can do it.” Special mention goes to my local supervisor, Dr. Nora al-moussed. I am grateful for her years of assistance. She did not hesitate to support me with constructive feedback. An extraordinary gratitude goes to the most beautiful and beloved mother in the world. Thank you for your patience and support. I love you. God keep you long. To my beloved husband, Hani: Your patience has been indescribable. You even played the role of mother to our children. You’ve supported me with all your possessions. Without you, this work would not have been possible. “You are an angel in human form.” 4 Thank you to my son Abdullah for spending your childhood years with the mentality of a man who feels a responsibility toward – and who supports – his mother. I love you, my beloved son. To my sweetheart Tooli: You have suffered so much throughout my PhD study. You encouraged me in the most difficult of circumstances while you yourself needed help. I can only say that you inspired me to help these older women because I learned to understand their anguish even more from your suffering. I love you so much, my daughter, and I am very proud of you. I would also like to thank Professor Zawawi, whom I consider my second and spiritual father. You are the backbone of my study sample, the greatest gatekeeper. Your experience added scientific and practical knowledge to my work. God keep you long. I am hugely appreciative to Dr. Bagader and Dr. Al-Subais for your time and for providing me with reliable information. My sincere appreciation also goes to the gatekeepers who helped me access the study’s participants. I thank you for your dedication in completing each interview. To the best Nanny in the world, Maysoon: Thank you for your devotion and unmatched support. I love you, my sister. I am grateful to my sisters, colleagues and friends, especially my sister Samah, Dr. Raja Alghatani, and my friends Abeer and Khadija, for their inspiration and encouragement. Many thanks go to the staff of Social Insurance. I credit you with the success of the interviews I conducted in your department. You comforted me and provided private office space for some of the interviews. 5 Finally, but by no means least, thank you to the staff of the Ministry of Health for the information you gave me. 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................ 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................. 4 LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... 11 LIST OF APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 12 GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................. 13 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH .................................................... 15 SECTION 1.1: INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 15 SECTION 1.2: FOCUS OF THE RESEARCH ..................................................................................... 19 SECTION 1.3: RESEARCH PROBLEM ............................................................................................ 22 SECTION 1.4: AIMS OF THE STUDY AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS ................................................ 24 SECTION 1.5: STRUCTURE OF THE THESIS .................................................................................. 26 CHAPTER 2: SAUDI ARABIAN SOCIETY. FAMILY STRUCTURE AND WOMEN’S POSITION ....................................................................................................................... 31 SECTION 2.1: INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 31 SECTION 2.2: OVERVIEW OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA .................................................. 31 Subsection 2.2.1: Geography .................................................................................................. 33 Subsection 2.2.2: The settings: Jeddah City ........................................................................... 34 Subsection 2.2.3: Population and life expectancy .................................................................. 35 SECTION 2.3: SAUDI ARABIAN SOCIETY AND FAMILY STRUCTURE ............................................ 36 SECTION 2.4: WOMEN’S POSITION IN SAUDI SOCIETY ............................................................... 39 SECTION 2.5: THE POSITION OF OLDER WOMEN ........................................................................ 44 SECTION 2.6: GENDER ROLES ..................................................................................................... 46 Subsection 2.6.1: Gender Segregation ................................................................................... 47 Subsection 2.6.2: Salafism ...................................................................................................... 49 Subsection 2.6.3: Gender Inequalities ...................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Osama%27S%20PHD%20Thesis.Pdf
    The Saudi interpretations of capacity, public policy and awards being set aside in the country of origin in the refusal of arbitral awards under Article V of the New York Convention 1958, With Reference to French and English Legal Systems First supervisor: Dr. Hong-Lin By: Osama Abdullatif Rabah LLB, LLM A Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, University of Stirling for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Stirling, Scotland UK April 2018 CONTENTS ABSTRACT: .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 1 CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 8 1.2 THE SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY: .............................................................................. 10 1.3 WHY THESE THREE GROUNDS ARE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT ................................................ 13 1.3.1 The effect of Islamic rules on these three grounds: ....................................................... 15 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 18 1.5 LIMITATION OF RESEARCH: ............................................................................................................... 19 1.6
    [Show full text]
  • Tutorial in English, Based on the Introduction of Islam
    CENTRAL MUSLIM SPIRITUAL BOARD RUSSIA RUSSIAN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY TUTORIAL IN ENGLISH, BASED ON THE INTRODUCTION OF ISLAM Initial training for educational institutions of secondary and higher level UFA, 2011 Published by the decision of the Editorial Board of the Russian Islamic University (Ufa) Tutorial in English, based on the introduction of Islam. - Ufa Publishing Division of the Russian Islamic University, 2011. - 000 pages. The book contains a mandatory minimum of knowledge, which every Muslim must possess: knowledge of the faith and order of worship to Allah. The book is intended for a wide range of readers. TsDUM Russia, 2011 PREFACE Endless thanks and praise to Allah the Most High, Who has created mankind and the entire universe with divine wisdom and for a great purpose. May blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, the means of compassion to the universe, the most distinguished intercessor and the most beloved Prophet of Allah the Lord, upon his family, upon his companions and upon all those who have followed and continue to follow his holy path. The content of this Introduction to Islam pertains to a branch of Islamic knowledge that provides information about faith (iman) and worship (ibadah). Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa-sallam)1, said that it is compulsory for every Muslim man and woman to acquire knowledge. The knowledge (Introduction to Islam) in this manual gives essential information about faith (iman) and worship (ibadah) which will guide its adherent to happiness both in this world and in the Hereafter. One cannot become a complete and perfect Muslim without learning and believing these essentials, known in Arabic as Dharurah-al-Diniyyah (Necessary Rules of Religion).
    [Show full text]
  • British Muslims Caught Amidst Fogs—A Discourse Analysis of Religious Advice and Authority
    religions Article British Muslims Caught Amidst FOGs—A Discourse Analysis of Religious Advice and Authority Usman Maravia 1,* , Zhazira Bekzhanova 2 , Mansur Ali 3 and Rakan Alibri 4 1 ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science (CASS), Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK 2 English Language Program, Astana IT University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan; [email protected] 3 Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK, School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3EU, UK; [email protected] 4 Department of Languages and Translation, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: This paper discusses the symbolic capital found within Islamic documents that were circu- lated in the UK during the COVID-19 outbreak. Specifically, the work explores “fatwas” and “other” similar documents as well as “guidance” documents (referred to as FOGs) that were disseminated in March–April 2020 on the internet and social media platforms for British Muslim consumption. We confine our materials to FOGs produced only in English. Our study takes its cue from the notion that the existence of a variety of documents created a sense of foggy ambiguity for British Muslims in matters of religious practice. From a linguistic angle, the study seeks to identify (a) the underlying reasons behind the titling of the documents; and (b) the construction of discourses in the documents. Our corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis (CA-CDA) found noticeable patterns that hold symbolic capital in the fatwa register. We also found that producers of “other” documents imitate the fatwa register in an attempt to strengthen the symbolic capital of their documents.
    [Show full text]
  • Breaking the Mold: Female Investors Making Waves
    The World’s Leading Islamic Finance News Provider (All Cap) IDB and Nigeria looks Jordan SECP boosts 1100 World Bank west for acquires best NBFC segment 1050 2.92% sign US$9 Islamic fi nance practices with updated 1000 billion inspiration..7 for maiden rules; creates 921.97 950 strategic Sukuk...8 new asset 949.77 900 partnership classes...12 TMSSFTW Powered by: IdealRatings® deal...6 COVER STORY 21st October 2015 (Volume 12 Issue 42) Breaking the mold: Female investors making waves The role of women in the Gulf is Women in the GCC now control over a awareness and understanding are changing — or is it just the perception third of wealth in the region, and are a opening doors to a more proactive of the role of women? It’s a delicate driving force for the economy. Markaz involvement in personal wealth subject but there is no doubt that estimated in 2013 that GCC high-net- management and investment activity. with the advent of bett er education worth (HNW) females controlled over and employment opportunities, US$224 billion and accounted for over Women in the workforce and as major players in the fi elds of 20% of total wealth in the region — and The labor trend in the GCC is changing, family wealth, entrepreneurship and these fi gures have soared in the last few with female participation more than business, Muslim women are becoming years. Around 105 ultra HNW women in doubling over the past few decades. a force to be reckoned with from an Saudi Arabia and the UAE now control In Dubai and Qatar, the female labor investment perspective.
    [Show full text]
  • Islam Rediscovered
    Islam Rediscovered Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents................................................................2 Preface.................................................................................9 1. Search for Truth............................................................16 Philosophy.....................................................................19 Science............................................................................23 Mysticism......................................................................26 2. Faith and Reason..........................................................33 Natural Argument........................................................33 Philosophical Argument..............................................35 Spiritual Argument.......................................................37 Scientific Argument......................................................38 3. The Concept of God.....................................................44 4. Religion..........................................................................55 Religions Other than Islam..........................................58 5. Islam in Brief.................................................................65 ~ 2 ~ Islam Rediscovered Table of Contents True Guidance...............................................................65 A. Individual.................................................................66 B. Society........................................................................70 C. State...........................................................................71
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring the Impact of Having a Child with a Disability in Saudi Arabia
    THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL Exploring the Impact of having a Child with a Disability in Saudi Arabia: Implications for Family Support Services being a Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of Hull By Mashael Suliman Alariefy B.A in Childhood Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia Master of Education, the University of Hull December, 2016 Acknowledgment I would like to express my sincere thanks and profound appreciation to my supervisor, Professor Kiki Messiou, for her true, sincere concern, constant support, valuable guidance, and most importantly kind encouragement, even when I lost confidence in my aptitude. My appreciation also goes to all of the mothers and fathers of children with disability who participated in my study and who offered me their time and effort. Their contribution was absolutely invaluable to the success of this study. A special warm tribute to my husband; his love, patience, sacrifices, and understanding made this study possible. I cannot find the words to express my apologies to my mother and father for the long busy days I have had and for spending to long away from them. Finally, I would like to offer my warmest thanks to all of my friends for their support and constant encouragement. Abstract This study explores the impact of having a child with a disability in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the challenges involved and the implications for the development of relevant family support services. A qualitative approach was employed for the study, using individual interviews and focus groups, with a total of 42 parents, both fathers and mothers.
    [Show full text]
  • Expressions of Islamic Feminisms in Algeria and Saudi Arabia: Towards Intersectional and Feminist-Postcolonial Approach
    Expressions of Islamic Feminisms in Algeria and Saudi Arabia: Towards Intersectional and Feminist-postcolonial Approach A thesis submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities 2018 Afaf M. H. Al-Humaidi School of Arts, Languages and Cultures TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................................... 5 DECLARATION ................................................................................................................................. 7 COPYRIGHT STATEMENT .............................................................................................................. 7 TRANSILERERATION ...................................................................................................................... 8 DEDICATION ..................................................................................................................................... 9 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................................. 10 CHAPTER 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 11 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 11 BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • IFN Non-Banking Financial Institutions Poll 2020: Winners Revealed!
    The World’s Leading Islamic Finance News Provider (All Cap) Uzbekistan Turkey aims for Egypt one step UK fintech 1400 1,370.68 finalizes draft Islamic banking closer to issuing eyes Q1 2021 1350 3.79% regulations efficiency with debut sovereign launch date 1300 1,319.94 on Sukuk in new banking Sukuk with for Islamic 1250 preparation for infrastructure ... 5 approval of platform ...13 1200 W T F S S M T first issuance in draft law ...6 Powered by: IdealRatings® 2021..5 COVER STORY 11th November 2020 (Volume 17 Issue 45) IFN Non-Banking Financial Institutions Poll 2020: Winners revealed! Non-banking financial institutions Al Barakah Multi-Purpose Co-operative (NBFIs) play a crucial role in fulfilling Society in ensuring Muslims in Mauritius the financing demand that cannot be are still able to access Riba-free financial met by banking institutions. For their products in line with their faith. With indispensable contribution to the global small humble beginnings in 1998 when Islamic finance industry, IFN is honored several Mauritian Muslims pooled to be recognizing the top Islamic together their resources to form the NBFIs through the inaugural IFN Non- country’s first Islamic credit cooperative, Banking Financial Institutions Poll 2020 Al Barakah Multi-Purpose Co-operative as voted by the readers of IFN. Society has grown over the last two decades expanding its operations to 22% of the votes, Al Barakah Multi- Purpose Cooperative Society took Best Islamic Financial nine branches throughout the island and serving over 2,000 members, about 10% home the title of Best Islamic Financial Cooperative of the local Muslim population.
    [Show full text]
  • 15Th April 2014
    SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, JAKARTA 15th April 2014 LEAD PARTNERS MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNER ASSOCIATE PARTNERS EXECUTIVE PARTNERS LANYARDS SPONSOR IN ASSOCIATION WITH LEAD MEDIA PARTNER MEDIA PARTNERS www.REDmoneyevents.com Sala 021 7000 27 27 022 72 27 27 27 www.bjbsyariah.co.id Ease at Your Fingerprints Download Mobile Maslahah at mbanking.bjbs.co.id / download that can be used in 700 types of mobile phones. whenever and wherever. You do not need to come to the bank or to ATM machines! Contact SalaMalsahah to 021 7000 27 27/022 72 27 27 27 to enjoy its benefit. FEEDBACK FORM Please spare a minute to provide valuable feedback. 1. Overall Evaluation Excellent Good Average Poor • Pre-event contact • Venue & facilities • Overall evaluation of the event • Overall evaluation of the speakers 2. Which Sessions Were of Interest to You? Excellent Good Average Poor • Regulators Roundtable: Promoting an Islamic Economy in Indonesia as a National Agenda • CEO Session: Addressing Challenges through Innovation: Emerging Trends and Opportunities • Keynote Address: Opportunities for Islamic Finance in Indonesia’s Investment Landscape • Session 3: Addressing the Challenges Posed by Legal and Taxation Issues • Session 4: Advancing Indonesia’s Growth in Islamic Finance: A View from Established Markets in Asia and the Middle East • Deal Roundtable: Discussing Key Success Factors of Indonesia’s Top Deals in 2013 • Presentation: What Initiatives Exist to Develop Talent and Human Capital in the Islamic Finance Services • Session 5: The Islamic Investment Lanscape:
    [Show full text]
  • Sharia Incorporated : a Comparative Overview of the Legal Systems of Twelve Muslim Countries in Past and Present Otto, Jan Michiel
    Sharia incorporated : a comparative overview of the legal systems of twelve muslim countries in past and present Otto, Jan Michiel Citation Otto, J. M. (Ed.). (2010). Sharia incorporated : a comparative overview of the legal systems of twelve muslim countries in past and present. Leiden University Press. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/1887/21170 Version: Not Applicable (or Unknown) License: Leiden University Non-exclusive license Downloaded from: https://hdl.handle.net/1887/21170 Note: To cite this publication please use the final published version (if applicable). LAW, GOVERNANCE, LAW, GOVERNANCE, O AND DEVELOPMENT TTO (ED.) AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH RESEARCH Sharia incorporated is an ambitious study of how Islamic law traditions have S HAR been incorporated into the national legal systems throughout the Muslim SHARIA world. Both puritan Islamists and Western alarmists tend to oversimplify and misrepresent the role and position of sharia. In response, this book takes stock of the actual legal positions, putting them into their socio-political and historical I INCORPORATED A INCORPORATED contexts. The twelve country chapters, each written by laudable international scholars speak to the historical evolution of Islamic, legal, and political ideas and A Comparative Overview of the practices. They consider the key legal issues raised by the ‘Islamic awakening’ Legal Systems of Twelve Muslim of recent decades. Otto’s conclusion presents the main findings of this unique comparative study and explains why the incorporation of sharia is such a thorny Countries in Past and Present governance problem for any government in today’s Muslim world. It is intended that this wealth of facts and analyses contributes to current debates on sharia, Edited by law, and politics.
    [Show full text]
  • Sources of Saudi Conduct: How Saudi Family Law and Royal Polygyny Produce Political Instability
    UCLA UCLA Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law Title Sources of Saudi Conduct: How Saudi Family Law and Royal Polygyny Produce Political Instability Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8cs0q3xf Journal UCLA Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law, 18(1) Author Riegg, Ryan Publication Date 2020 DOI 10.5070/N4181051175 Peer reviewed eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California SOURCES OF SAUDI CONDUCT: How Saudi Family Law and Royal Polygyny Produce Political Instability Ryan Riegg Abstract Unlike other areas of law, where rules have either been borrowed from Western regimes or only apply to certain segments of society, Saudi family law touches every member of Saudi society, from ordinary citizens to royalty, and originates in an Islamic legal tradition that predates most modern legal sys- tems by several hundred years. Nonetheless, most writers on Saudi Arabia (the Kingdom) have largely neglected the role of Saudi family law in influencing the Kingdom’s royal family and policymaking, despite the dominance of family businesses, tribes, and family offices in the Saudi economy and state. This Arti- cle outlines how Saudi family law produces economic incentives that, without reform, make the maintenance of political stability in the Kingdom unlikely past three generations. Accordingly, this Article can be understood as an alternative and sup- plement to the dominant political science theory for understanding Saudi policymaking, Rentier State Theory (RST). Specifically, this Article demon- strates how the incentives produced by Saudi family law can more accurately predict Saudi policymaking and disruptive political events than RST, including, but not limited to, the Kingdom’s Ritz-Carlton purge and building of large- scale commercial real estate projects, which might otherwise appear irrational to outside observers.
    [Show full text]
  • Board Examination Study Guide
    BISMILLAH, HIR-RAHMAN, NIR-RAHIM BOARD EXAMINATION STUDY GUIDE 4th Grade Edition Revision: E CAUTION: Just memorizing the answers in this Study Guide is no guarantee for passing the examination; other questions from within the syllabus may also be asked Muslim Community Center’s Weekend Schools Muslim Community Center (M.C.C.) Muslim Education Center (M.E.C.) 4380 N Elston Avenue 8601 N Menard Street Chicago, IL 60641 Morton Grove, IL 60053 Board Examination Study Guide – 4th Grade Edition Revision: E REVISION HISTORY REVISION DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE AUTHOR DATE E Updated Qur’an & Arabic Language section: Clarified Examination Committee 2/26/09 Vocabulary words by providing for an addendum, added requirements for du’as, updated surahs list, and clarified explanation for the Meaning and Understanding section. Added a note of caution on the front page against just memorization of the answers in this guide. D In Seerah/History, added 7 questions to the 4th grade Examination Committee 3/31/06 section and 1 question to the 9th grade section. In Akhlaq, added a total of 32 questions to the 4th, 7th and 9th grade sections. In Imaan & Ibadaat, added a total of 4 questions to the 7th and 9th grade sections. Added Appendix 1 to provide an example of Qur’an & Arabic Language questions that may be asked in the examination. Made minor modifications in language to the Introduction as well as to a few questions spread across all sections for better clarity. C Added a total of 33 questions to Seerah/History (4th & 7th Examination Committee 3/7/02 grades only) section.
    [Show full text]