Open AccessEMIRATI WOMEN’S PERCEPTIONS OF POLYGAMY ACCORDING TO AGE, EMPLOYMENT, AND EDUCATIONAL LEVEL
Author(s) -
Khawlah M. AL-Tkhayneh,
Khaled Khamis Nser
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
humanities and social sciences reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2395-6518
DOI - 10.18510/hssr.2019.75117
Subject(s) - remarriage , originality , perception , psychology , social psychology , sociology , gender studies , neuroscience , creativity , anthropology
Purpose of the study: The study investigates the Emirati Women’s perceptions of polygamy according to three variables, namely age, employment, and educational level. It also explores where there are possible reasons that may drive these women to accept polygamy in certain circumstances and their reactions if it actually happens.
Methodology: To achieve this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 Emirati women to get more insight into their choice, reasons, and reactions.
Main findings: The results reveal that 88% of the participants refused the entire idea of polygamy while the rest accepted it. The results also show that the three social variables played an important role in their choice. The participants who consented to polygamy did so due to religious and cultural reasons. In case the husband went along with his remarriage, the participants indicated that they would file for divorce, especially those who are young and employed, or stay with their husbands unhappy. The latter were mostly older and unemployed.
Applications of this study: The Emirati women’s concerns of polygamy and its consequences on family life should be taken into account when revising social policies in the UAE.
The originality of this study: The study is one of its kinds to address polygamy in the UAE. It contributes to the body of knowledge through identifying Emirati women’s concerns of polygamy and discussing the reasons for accepting/rejecting polygamy.