Arab Women and Western Values

Author: Hasan Yahya, Professor of Sociology

In the Arab world women as well men feels that they would never be able to pursue their careers in media or any other type of employment without having affiliation to a certain group (political or religious) or have the same beliefs and habits. In Europe or the United States, these obstacles are not found.

The logic behind this is the absence of freedom and censorship in most Arab countries. And the force of conformity, to repeat the same beliefs and actions everyday as if they are imitating each other.

Compared with life in the West, it reveals many hard choices for an Arab new comer to Europe, Canada or the United States, especially among women. Freedom comes with a high price but it is better to learn by experience, not by force and fear..

Women in the Arab world, do not support each other, As for career success, this doesn't necessarily mean a person is open-minded.. Unfortunately few women come across other successful Arab women, because it is very hard to reach a high position, they tend to become very men followers, rigid and unfair. Where it is very important that women support each other.

In the Arab countries, girls come second to boys in the family and society in general, unfairness of how a boy is favored more than a girl in almost all aspects of life, even in the most open-minded families, because of the fear, the insecurity and the loss of virginity and honor among young women.

It is believed that young women in Middle East should fight for any rights which men stand strongly against them. For example, in some Gulf states, women were not supported in official elections, not only by men, but also by women. The progress made recently in some states still shaking, one must learn that women’s rights are not given, but earned by struggle.

In contrast to Europe and the United States, women are free, Women lead their choices not follow them blindly. They have to work hard to prove to others that the rights demand are both for their own good and for those around them as well. Arab women show strength, and self-confidence to face accusation of following western values, especially in traditional families. Many crimes against young girls are common from family members, because the girls behavior have changed to more freedom of expression. Parents coming from the Arab and Muslim world still have negative attitudes toward western values, especially when it comes to women freedom and ways of life.

Women in the west have determination to work hard and succeed and her understanding of the importance of playing a role in society is remarkable in the face of bigotry and stereotyping. Where everyone is treated equally irrespective of race, color, sex or creed.

Educational experience and physical body building through sports are available where girls can practice various types of sports.

In conclusion, unfortunately policy for strategic planning in many Arab countries, miss the points of these differences and ignore them, it is urgent however, for policy makers to imply the concepts in this article in order to advance social as well as political development. www.hasanyahya.com

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About the Author
Hasan A. Yahya is a well known American scholar, and a professor of sociology. Has a 2 Ph.d degrees from MSU. He published 19 Arabic and 8 English books and 200 plus articles on sociology, psychology, politics, poetry, and short stories in both Arabic and English. Philosophically, his writings concern logic, justice and human rights worldwide. Dr. Yahya also is an expert on Arab and Islamic culture, and attended several international conferences. www.dryahyatv.com