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 In the midst
of rapid change throughout the Arab world, the family has provided
stability and a sense of security. Most people in rural areas still live
with extended families that include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and
cousins as well as parents, brothers, and sisters. In cities, many people
now live in nuclear families—that is, just parents and children. But,
the extended family remains important socially and economically. The
family is the main source of identity for each person, and loyalty to the
family has always been an important value for all Arabs. Most of the
socializing that Sa`ud does is in an extended family setting. He has
friends at school, and while he may talk with them on the phone from time
to time, there is little visiting back and forth among school friends.
Most people are too busy with their extended families, where their first
obligation for time and attention lies.
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