Value changes in gender roles: Perspectives from three generations of Emirati women

Abstract

Intergenerational value change, influenced by technological advancements, economic development, formal education, and urbanization, becomes especially complex when it occurs during times of rapid change, as in the case of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Through the lens of social change and human development theory, heavily constructed in the Gemeinschaft/Gesellschaft paradigm, this focused ethnography explored the push and pull of traditional boundaries within a collectivist society. Participants in this study (N = 24) were members of eight family triads of grandmothers, mothers, and daughters who represented eight different Emirati tribes from four cities in the UAE. Data were collected during semi-structured interviews using prompts and vignettes and through observation and the generation of field notes. Thematic analysis revealed evidence of cultural value change for gender equity and roles, family connectedness, and family relatedness. The findings underscore the need to support Emirati women as they navigate value change and try to rectify often conflicting role expectations.

Keywords

• intergenerational value change
• theory of social change and human development
• Gemeinschaft/Gesellschaft paradigm
• gender roles
• family relatedness/connectedness
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)