Arabian Oasis City

The Transformation of 'Unayzah

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Urban
Cover of the book Arabian Oasis City by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole ISBN: 9780292757295
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: June 6, 2013
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
ISBN: 9780292757295
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: June 6, 2013
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English
Vast social change has occurred in the Middle East since the oil boom of the mid-1970s. As the first anthropological study of an urban community in Saudi Arabia since that oil boom, Arabian Oasis City is also the first to document those changes. Based on extensive interviews and participant observation with both men and women, the authors record and analyze the transformation that has occurred in this ancient oasis city throughout the twentieth century: the creation of the present Saudi Arabian state and of a new national economy based on the export of oil and the economic boom brought about by the dramatic increases in the price of oil following the October 1973 Arab-Israeli War. In addition, the authors reveal the changes brought about by the fall in the price of oil beginning in 1982 and analyze the problems confronting ‘Unayzah in its aftermath. By demonstrating that the area was not exclusively dominated by tribalism and Bedouin nomads, this empirical case study destroys stereotypical views about Saudi Arabia. Indeed, it proves the existence—prior to the coming of the modern Saudi Arabian state— of surplus agricultural and craft production and the full development of local, regional, and long-distance trade networks. It shows that women, although veiled, played active roles in work outside the household. The social impact of change over the years is, however, profound—especially the gradual replacement of the extended family by the nuclear family, changing patterns of husband-wife relationships, the impact of self-earned income on the status of women, and the emergence of a new middle class of employees and entrepreneurs. Because of the high degree of gender segregation in this area of research, Altorki and Cole give us a fortunate collaboration between a Saudi Arabian female scholar and an American male scholar experienced in research in the Middle East.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Vast social change has occurred in the Middle East since the oil boom of the mid-1970s. As the first anthropological study of an urban community in Saudi Arabia since that oil boom, Arabian Oasis City is also the first to document those changes. Based on extensive interviews and participant observation with both men and women, the authors record and analyze the transformation that has occurred in this ancient oasis city throughout the twentieth century: the creation of the present Saudi Arabian state and of a new national economy based on the export of oil and the economic boom brought about by the dramatic increases in the price of oil following the October 1973 Arab-Israeli War. In addition, the authors reveal the changes brought about by the fall in the price of oil beginning in 1982 and analyze the problems confronting ‘Unayzah in its aftermath. By demonstrating that the area was not exclusively dominated by tribalism and Bedouin nomads, this empirical case study destroys stereotypical views about Saudi Arabia. Indeed, it proves the existence—prior to the coming of the modern Saudi Arabian state— of surplus agricultural and craft production and the full development of local, regional, and long-distance trade networks. It shows that women, although veiled, played active roles in work outside the household. The social impact of change over the years is, however, profound—especially the gradual replacement of the extended family by the nuclear family, changing patterns of husband-wife relationships, the impact of self-earned income on the status of women, and the emergence of a new middle class of employees and entrepreneurs. Because of the high degree of gender segregation in this area of research, Altorki and Cole give us a fortunate collaboration between a Saudi Arabian female scholar and an American male scholar experienced in research in the Middle East.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Death and the Classic Maya Kings by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Forging the Star by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Understanding Misunderstandings by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Weather in Texas by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Men and Popular Music in Algeria by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book A Hanging in Nacogdoches by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Courage, Resistance, and Women in Ciudad Juárez by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Savage Frontier Volume 3 1840-1841: Rangers, Riflemen, and Indian Wars in Texas by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Sacrifice, Violence, and Ideology Among the Moche by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Neo-Confederacy by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book About Antiquities by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Corruption in Cuba by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Dear Dirt Doctor by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Stories, Myths, Chants, and Songs of the Kuna Indians by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
Cover of the book Birds of the Northwestern National Parks by Soraya Altorki, Donald P. Cole
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy