Qualitative Interviews of Using Matrimonial Websites among Saudi Users

Abstract

While traditional Saudi Arabian courtship is rigidly structured according to Islamic codes of conduct, Saudis over the past decade have increasingly turned to unconventional means, e.g., matrimonial websites, to find and court a potential spouse. Using qualitative semistructured interviews (N = 36), the analysis of the data revealed four main categories that demonstrate the reasons behind Saudis joining matrimonial websites: more opportunities, freedom from the limitations of offline interactions in Saudi culture, personal reasons, and encouragement.

Saudi Arabian Parents' Perception of Online Marital Matchmaking Technologies

“…As this stigma is more prominent for women due to traditional courtship roles [4,15], men are more likely to be open about using matrimonial websites compared to women and were also more active on them [15,66]. Both Saudi men and women users of such sites agreed that they used them to ind more choices compared to traditional means [4,15,19], but wanted to conform to cultural and religious norms while making use of such sites [10,11,33]. Even though marital matchmaking technologies are viewed as challenging social and religious norms, Saudi Arabian users ind that their religious and cultural values shape how they view themselves online [14,17].…”

“…A previous study [4] has shown that Saudi Arabians are interested in utilizing technology for marriage, but are unsure how to navigate it while preserving their cultural and religious values and involving their parents in the process. Other studies have explored how Saudi Arabians utilized matrimonial websites to seek a potential spouse [18] and how it might con lict with the traditional process [19]. For example, women in Saudi Arabia require their legal guardian's approval when deciding who they want to marry, which can vary based on many familial and social factors [55].…”

“…For example, women in Saudi Arabia require their legal guardian's approval when deciding who they want to marry, which can vary based on many familial and social factors [55]. In addition, family members who are against the marriage can create obstacles for potential spouses [19]. Lastly, Saudi Arabians are obligated to please their parents and respect them based on Islamic teachings [2,4,37].…”