Everything is in the attachment below i’m doing the paper on Family and marriage. I want the paper to talk about how important marriage is in Palestine and how family can tie into it. I also need to talk about how my own family dealt with marriage back then and how theyre planning on dealing with me now. any questions please inbox me
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Happiness in marriage can exceed a thousand times any other happiness. Family and marriage are central to Palestinian society and culture. They are seen as the building blocks of society and are highly valued. In Palestine, family ties are close and extended families are common, with grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins all living together in close proximity. According to Yahia (2019), marriage is considered an essential rite of passage and is approached with great reverence and respect. It is usually arranged through the bride and groom’s families, with the couple having a limited role in the decision-making process. The wedding ceremony is a grand and joyous occasion filled with music, dance, and feasting. According to Meler (2020), in traditional Palestinian society, the role of women was primarily that of homemaker and caregiver. However, this has changed in recent decades, with increasing numbers of women pursuing higher education and entering the workforce. Despite this progress, many traditional attitudes towards gender roles persist, and women are still expected to prioritize family over career. Meller (2020) also stated that one notable aspect of Palestinian family and marriage customs is the importance of hospitality. Hospitality is a sacred duty, and Palestinian families are renowned for their generosity and kindness toward guests. This extends to complete strangers’ guests, as Palestinians believe welcoming guests is a way to honor God. This paper discusses the traditions of family and marriage in Palestine, the importance of marriage and its connection with family in Palestine, and how my family deals with marriage now versus how they dealt with it then.
In Palestine, the family is the backbone of society. A strong bond exists between family members. According to Piano (2020), the extended family plays a significant role in the lives of individuals, with grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins all contributing to the upbringing of children and providing support and guidance. The elderly are highly respected and are seen as the repository of cultural and family knowledge passed down from generation to generation. According to Meler (2020), the role of women in Palestinian society is largely defined by their role as wives and mothers. Hamamra et al. (2020) stated that “Palestinian female identity has been constructed and reconstructed as an amalgamation of patriarchal-oriented roles” (p.1). While women are highly valued for their contributions to the family and community, they are also expected to adhere to traditional gender roles, with men typically holding more power in decision-making. Thus, Palestinians have set family traditions that they follow.
The institution of marriage in Palestine is held in high esteem and is considered a crucial rite of passage in the lives of individuals. In Palestine, family and marriage are essential building blocks of the community and are closely intertwined with religion and culture. According to Schlanger (2021), marriage is considered a religious obligation in Palestinian society, with families placing great importance on finding suitable partners for their children. Arranged marriages are still common, with families and communities playing a significant role in matchmaking. The groom’s family is expected to pay a dowry to the bride’s family, a tradition rooted in tribal and economic considerations. The wedding ceremony is grand, with elaborate preparations, lavish decorations, and feasting (Juneidi et al., 2022). Family, friends, and community members gather to celebrate the couple’s union and offer their blessings. Juneidi et al. (2022) also stated that the wedding ceremony usually occurs in a mosque. The couple is declared married by a religious leader after reciting their vows and exchanging rings. Thus, Palestinians have set marriage traditions that they follow.
Marriage holds great significance in Palestinian culture and society. The traditional Palestinian family structure is patriarchal, with the father serving as the head of the household. According to Bargawi et al. (2022), marriage is an essential aspect of Palestinian life and is typically arranged by the bride and groom’s families. According to Meler (2020), the bride and groom are expected to honor and respect their parents and elders, and family opinions carry great weight in the decision to marry. The wedding ceremony is a joyful and elaborate event that family, friends, and members of the community attend. Thus, marriage is important in Palestine.
There is a connection between marriage and family in Palestine. In Palestine, marriage is seen as a union between two individuals and two families. According to Schlanger (2021), joining families through marriage strengthens the bonds between family members and provides a sense of security and stability for both the bride and groom. This strong family connection is essential in facing Palestinians’ ongoing political and social challenges, providing a sense of stability and continuity. Family plays a central role in providing support and security for its members. Family members look out for each other, and the responsibility of providing for the family falls on the shoulders of the men. It is not uncommon for multiple generations to live together, with grandparents playing an important role in the upbringing of children. The extended family is also an essential source of support, with cousins, aunts, and uncles often acting as surrogate parents. Thus, marriage and family in Palestine are connected.
In recent years, there have been differences in how my family dealt with marriage compared to how they dealt with it then. In the past, families played a significant role in arranging marriages, but today, individuals have more freedom to choose their partners. According to Sharma (2021), families played a crucial role in arranging marriages in the past. Parents or other family members often arrange marriages based on social and economic considerations rather than personal preferences. The primary concern was to preserve the family’s social and economic status and ensure that the couple could support each other (Sharma, 2021). Love was not always a requirement for marriage, and couples were often not allowed to get to know each other before the wedding. Sharma (2021) also stated that in many traditional societies, there was a strong emphasis on the role of women in marriage. Women were often seen as secondary partners, responsible for managing the household and raising children. They had limited freedom and opportunities outside of marriage, and their primary purpose was to support their husband and family, but in today’s society, this is changing. Thus, there are differences in how my family dealt with marriage then versus now.
In conclusion, family and marriage are crucial in Palestinian society and culture. Family and marriage traditions in Palestine are an integral part of the people’s cultural heritage and religious beliefs. They provide a sense of identity and continuity, helping maintain the community’s values and traditions. While these traditions have evolved, they remain an essential part of Palestinian society and continue to be passed down from generation to generation. Family and marriage are highly valued and critical in Palestinian culture and society. They provide support, security, and stability and help strengthen the bonds between family members and communities. These traditions and cultural values have been passed down through generations and are essential to Palestinian life today. The way my family deals with marriage has evolved significantly over time. While families in the past played a significant role in arranging marriages, today, individuals have more freedom to choose their partners and prioritize their happiness. While both approaches certainly have advantages and disadvantages, it is clear that the way families deal with marriage has changed significantly over time and will continue to evolve. Family and marriage provide a foundation for community life and are deeply valued for their ability to provide comfort, support, and a sense of belonging.
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