Strengths of the Saudi Arabian Family
Facing a new culture is easier when you aren't alone!
Although there will be an adjustment for any Americans visiting a Saudi Arabian family or even joining into one it is really important to focus on the positives within the family structure of a Saudi Arabian family. After people go through a ‘honeymoon’ period of visiting another culture they tend to experience struggle and are disillusioned with the values and norms they once loved. In this case, there are so many benefits to this style of family that may be very different to American families but perhaps improvements to the family life. In this section, we will highlight these attributes so when travelers from the United States are homesick or overwhelmed by the culture they can take a step back and remember the positive aspects of the culture.
As previously mentioned, Saudi Arabian culture and families within the culture are collectivistic. This is very different from the individualism that permeates through American culture but when travelling to a new place or joining into a new family, a collectivist family would be much more open and welcoming. Collectivist families are all about each other and looking out for one another. When someone does not know the culture and are out of their comfort zone having a supportive family to take care of you and teach you would be much better than getting thrown into a culture that is all about making it on your own. Traveling to a new individualistic culture would more likely feel more alienating than to a collectivist culture. Members going through struggles will be supported in the family because they are loyal to each other.
The nature of a close family was discussed at length during the intercultural communication interviews because having a tight-knit family can be extremely beneficial. These families work hard to support everyone and keep unity at the forefront of the family. Along with that, extended family is just as important as the nuclear family which only adds to the support and protection of each individual. Family parenting may be stricter than in the United States but it is necessary in order for each child to understand the importance of making the family proud. This idea was confirmed by Rewaa Bodah in an email correspondence when she explained that now that she is in university, she is working very hard and doing her best because she wants to make her parents and whole family proud. She shared that after her parents worked so hard teaching her the right way to live and important family values she owes it to them to live out those teachings. (Rewaa Bodah, email correspondence, December 11, 2012). Family name is vital to the identity of the individual and as that is the case, a family name comes with connections and benefits that would not necessarily occur in the United States.
As previously mentioned, Saudi Arabian culture and families within the culture are collectivistic. This is very different from the individualism that permeates through American culture but when travelling to a new place or joining into a new family, a collectivist family would be much more open and welcoming. Collectivist families are all about each other and looking out for one another. When someone does not know the culture and are out of their comfort zone having a supportive family to take care of you and teach you would be much better than getting thrown into a culture that is all about making it on your own. Traveling to a new individualistic culture would more likely feel more alienating than to a collectivist culture. Members going through struggles will be supported in the family because they are loyal to each other.
The nature of a close family was discussed at length during the intercultural communication interviews because having a tight-knit family can be extremely beneficial. These families work hard to support everyone and keep unity at the forefront of the family. Along with that, extended family is just as important as the nuclear family which only adds to the support and protection of each individual. Family parenting may be stricter than in the United States but it is necessary in order for each child to understand the importance of making the family proud. This idea was confirmed by Rewaa Bodah in an email correspondence when she explained that now that she is in university, she is working very hard and doing her best because she wants to make her parents and whole family proud. She shared that after her parents worked so hard teaching her the right way to live and important family values she owes it to them to live out those teachings. (Rewaa Bodah, email correspondence, December 11, 2012). Family name is vital to the identity of the individual and as that is the case, a family name comes with connections and benefits that would not necessarily occur in the United States.
Conclusion
Family is vital to the growth and development of people. Family is what teachings children values, beliefs and belonging to the larger culture they live in. Although different cultural groups may value family differently, family is the first and primary source of guidance for children and is responsible for teaching children the skills they need to thrive. In Saudi Arabia, family is all about the whole family unit and being a cohesive group. There may be conflict, as there is with all families, but belonging and supporting each other is vital. Travelers going to Saudi Arabia would do well to adopt a more collectivist attitude when travelling there because new cultures can be overwhelming and it would be excellent to find support in a group of people. Especially if when staying with a host family, relatives or friends, being a part of the group instead of maintaining an individualistic style would open up more opportunities to form connections and understanding of the culture.
References
Bengtson, V. L. (2001). Beyond the Nuclear Family: The Increasing Importance of Multigenerational Bonds. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63: 1–16.
Bengston, V. L. (1975). Generation and Family Effects in Value Socialization. American Sociological Review, 40 (3): 358-371.
DeGenova, M. K. (1997). Families in cultural context: Strengths and challenges in diversity. Mayfield Publishing Company, California.
Hofstede, G. (1994). The Business of International Business is Culture. International Business Review , 3, (1), l-14.
Martin, J. N., Nakayama, T. K., & Flores, L. A. (2002). Readings in Intercultural Communication: Experiences and Contexts. McGraw Hill, Boston, MA.
Bengston, V. L. (1975). Generation and Family Effects in Value Socialization. American Sociological Review, 40 (3): 358-371.
DeGenova, M. K. (1997). Families in cultural context: Strengths and challenges in diversity. Mayfield Publishing Company, California.
Hofstede, G. (1994). The Business of International Business is Culture. International Business Review , 3, (1), l-14.
Martin, J. N., Nakayama, T. K., & Flores, L. A. (2002). Readings in Intercultural Communication: Experiences and Contexts. McGraw Hill, Boston, MA.