Arab American Marriage: Culture, Tradition, Religion, and the Social Worker

Abstract

The growing and varied Arab American population and the continuing stereotyping and mistrust between people of Arab descent and other Americans make the need for culturally competent social work more pronounced. This study considers the importance the institutions of marriage and family retain within what can be a generally high-context community. Marriage, family, and religious relationships can be complicated by a sense of honor and stigma alongside frequently distressing experiences or news from the country of origin. Various generations of Arab Americans are returning with their Middle Eastern counterparts to their religions to reestablish their identities. We shall consider the problems between fundamental and enlightened readings and understandings of the traditional marriage contract, especially under Sharia law, and traditional gender roles in relation to the varied expectations of the bride and groom, the extended families, and the cultural community. We suggest ways that social workers can develop skillful communications within effective cultural community networks to offset both inappropriate and insensitive misdiagnosis and treatment.

Seeking Help in Domestic Violence Among Muslim Women in Muslim-Majority and Non-Muslim-Majority Countries: A Literature Review

“…The complex relations between patriarchy, religion, tradition, and culture reinforce oppression against women (Aghtaie, 2016; Douki, Nacef, Belhadj, Bouasker, & Ghachem, 2003). While religion, tradition, and culture often interact with each other and at times will be indistinguishable (Woodhead, 2011), for the purposes of this article, we are defining religion as formalized beliefs, values, and institutional practices in which a divine being or supernatural presence is integral (Bruce, 2011); tradition as pertaining to ideas and practices that have been become established over time (Kopff, 2015); and culture as pertaining to expectations and norms within a social context (Al-Krenawi & Jackson, 2014).…”

Sexual experiences of cancer survivors: A qualitative study in Jordan

“…In Arabic Jordanian society males are dominant and any discussions about sexual relationships can lead to being labelled as sexually disabled, thus affecting their social position [ 19 ]. Hence, Arab males avoid discussions about sexual relationships or need to maintain an acceptable social status in their community [ 20 ]. This is aligned with the studies by Alananzeh et al and Butow et al who reported a low level of sexuality unmet needs which may reflect the taboo nature of discussing sexual needs [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Mental disorder and first-time marriage formation among non-Western migrant women: A national register study

“…Further, it is possible that the relationship between mental disorder and subsequent marriage formation may differ for different groups of migrant women. In predominately patriarchal societies such as South Asia, marriage may be important for acceptance and status in the community, particularly for women ( Al-Krenawi & Jackson, 2014 ; Sharma et al, 2013 ). Thus, there may be more pressure to find and accept a partner regardless of their attractiveness in terms of age or socioeconomic or health status.…”