Family in US and Saudi Arabia

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Choosing a Partner
Polygamy
Size of Family
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Family refers to a group of people affiliated by blood kingship, attraction or shared residence. A family forms the basic institution for socialization of children. A nuclear family comprises a father, mother and the children. If family members from either or both of the parents reside together with the family, then it becomes an extended family.

The principal functions of family are procreation, love, care and economic production. Different types of families exist in an extensive range of backgrounds. The purpose and significance of a family depends on how they relate with supplementary societal institutions.

Different societies show evidence of variance in the composition and notion of a family. Contemporary society views family as a place of protection growing from the world to provide completion.

Family plays a crucial role in influencing the individuality and gender identity of a child when they enter into the world. There are differences between family composition and notion in the United States and Saudi Arabia such as choosing a partner, polygamy, and the size of family.

Choosing a Partner

In marriage, choosing a partner is a very central step. Cultural beliefs consider marriage a family and communal practice rather than an individual one (Barakat par 1). Saudi Arabia is an Islamic dominated nation and marriage patterns align to the religion.

Arranged marriages dominate the patterns of union in Saudi Arabia. However, the concept of a marriage partner being a personal choice and out of love is slowly becoming a precondition among youthful Arabs joining marriage life. Parents are supposed to ask for permission from their daughter before presenting her in nuptials (Barakat par 3).

This does not mean that the girl’s parents will conform to her wishes. Traditionally, a girl is supposed to leave the parents to decide everything for her because they know what she deserves. Girls always face the dilemma of opting to accept their parent’s choice or making their own (Barakat par 4).

In America, the situation is slightly different. Christianity is the dominant religion and most patterns of union follow the doctrines of Christianity. The choice of a marriage partner is the responsibility of those getting married.

However, the parents must give their blessings to those being married as a sign of acceptance to the choice made. Choosing the person to marry should not base on finances, peer pressure or trying to mend a mistake like unwanted pregnancy. A relationship before marriage is usually encouraged to help those planning for marriage to familiarize with each other.

Polygamy

Polygamy refers to nuptials that comprise more than two partners. It involves one party in a marriage having more than one spouse at a time. Both Christianity and Islam address the issue of in a clear manner by providing permissible rations and restrains that dampen the practice (Badawi par 2).

Polygamy is not a prohibition because it provides an alternative to divorce in certain situations encountered by persons and the population (Badawi par 3). Christianity is not against polygamy as there is no verse contained in the New Testament prohibiting the practice. The New Testament considers monogamy as the ordinary form of matrimony and only prohibits polygamy in the fold of a bishop and a deacon (Badawi par 13).

The fact that Abraham the father of religion had two wives indicates the Christianity stand on polygamy. On the other hand, Islamic religion tolerates polygamy but it is not compulsory or encouraged.

The tolerance accorded to polygamy in Islam is associated with empathy towards widows and orphans and not fulfillment of zeal (Badawi par 17). The religion expects any man who practices polygamy to take full responsibility of all his wives needs. Incase someone feels he cannot handle all the responsibilities associated with polygamy, the Quran advises on marrying one wife (Badawi par 17).

Size of Family

Family size is a sensitive topic in most cultures around the world. This cultural aspect differs a lot in both American and Saudi Arabian cultures (Barakat par 1). A traditional Arab family unit constitutes a monetary and collective entity as all members work together to support its development.

The family adopts any progress or failure made by any person. Some of the aspects of Arab families are interdependence, commitment and emotional attachment (Barakat par 2). The reason why Arab families have so many children is that they view children as extensions of family influence, a sign of success and an additional source of labor (Barakat par 2).

The monetary entity created in an Arab family encourages them to get many kids for continuity and labor. On the other hand, American families have an inclination to have few or no children. This is mainly associated with economic reasons. Most families in America consider children an extra expense as they involve themselves in servicing mortgages and saving for retirement.

Conclusion

A family is an important social institution in the society. The role played by a family is incomparable to the roles played by other institutions although disregarding them is unethical. Marriage is sacred and a very demanding venture that requires good understanding and positively influenced decisions.

Regardless of someone’s cultural beliefs, it is important to ensure that two people who decide to get married have the trust and love for each other. Marriage should not be based on financial gain, peer pressure or solution basis. Polygamy is tolerable in the society because it offers an alternative to divorce, which is normally an expensive and traumatizing experience.

Works Cited

Badawi, Gamal. Polygamy in Islamic Law. 2005. Web.

Barakat, Haim. Marriage and Divorce Patterns. 1993. Web.

Barakat, Haim. The Basic Characteristics of the Arab Family. 1993. Web.

Rearden, Jason. 19 Things You Should Do Before You Get Married. Thought Catalog. 2012. Web.

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