Why didn't the tribal identity go extinct in the Arabian Peninsula?
Sure, in ancient times, tribes were useful as social support and security. If someone killed a relative, you and your tribe were obligated to kill someone from the other tribe. But now, in modern times, people move all over the place and to different countries, and a lot of people have just moved to urban areas and don't live like the Bedouins. So why in places like Yemen and Saudi Arabia do the Arabs still keep a tribal identity? Shouldn't it have gone extinct already?
Saudi Arabia - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Kudos to you for asking a question on YA that can't be googled and requires some thought. As someone who has lived in Saudi Arabia for 4 years (American) and knowing the culture there well, I would say that the reason the tribal identity has maintained to some degree is because it is it is at the very root of their entire culture and they are a very traditional people. Think about it: Native American culture is also tribal in nature and that has modernized a great deal, but the tribal roots remain. Having also traveled internationally I can vouch that this world is becoming a global village. There was a time each country was very distinct in dress and other traditions - 100 years ago and more. At that time, no one would be suprised that a culture adhered to their distinct traditions: the dress, the social codes, cuisine, music, etc. Presently we have come to expect cultures to change in accordance with modernization and blend in. We expect that Dutch people no longer wear their traditional wooden shoes, and Irishmen wear kilts only during ceremonies; that people in Hawaii don't really wear grass skirts except in terms of tourism. Saudi people have stayed more firmly rooted in their cultural identity than many other nationalities. They still maintain their national dress and other traditions on a daily basis. As such the tribal basis of their culture is in keeping with other traditions that are still alive and well, surviving modern times.
2 :
It became prevalent because of the Illegal Distribution of Wealth. For example, look at the telephone city codes; you have 01 / 02 / 03 / etc.
3 :
Tribal identity is not only an occurance in the Arabian Penninsula. It is also very strong in Africa and Asia and it affects private and public life. Nevertheless, it is easing over time. It would take 2-3 generations ahead for say a bedouin family in KSA to relax on this issue- that said to me from a bedouin lady that personally has suffered as a consequence.
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