Full Description
Focusing on the struggles of youth in the Arabian Gulf to find their place in their encounters with modernity, Everyday Youth Cultures in the Gulf Peninsula explores how global forces are reshaping everyday cultural experiences in authoritarian societies.
A deeper understanding of Gulf youth emerges from reading about the everyday lives and struggles, opportunities, and contributions of youth who, in the process of developing their personal identities, are also incrementally transforming their societies and cultures. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, the chapters bring fresh insight into Gulf youth microcultures from the ground and invite dialogue by engaging young local and foreign academics in the discussion.
In light of the general difficulties of accessing Gulf societies, the book's nuanced, richly detailed depictions of everyday life can be of interest to academic research in Middle East studies, youth sociology, political science and anthropology, as well as to business and governmental decision-making.
Contents
Introduction: Gulf Youth Cultures in the Everyday
Part 1. Spaces of Engagement and Contestation
Reshaping Political Participation in Nondemocratic Regimes: Youth Initiatives and Urban Practices in Kuwait
The Saudi YouTube Phenomenon: From Anarchism to Institutionalism
The Amiri Diwan and Kuwait's Cultural Renaissance
Part 2. Traditions and Innovations
Engaging Young People in Charity in the State of Kuwait
Youth and Religion in a Landscape of Change: Reflections on Practicing Ibadi-Islam in Oman
When Love is Neither Showing nor Giving: The Challenges of Valentine's Day in Oman
Part 3. Sociabilities and Identities
"Facing Life Together": Everyday Friendship and Well-Being among Dubai's Indian Diaspora
Are You What You Eat? The Vegans of Kuwait
"They Know What They Want, and They Don't Settle for Less": Exploring Entrepreneurial Identity Formation among Young Women Entrepreneurs in Kuwait
Part 4. Practices of Inclusion in Education
Juvenile Improvisations: Designing for Youth in Abu Dhabi
Islamic Education and Youth Culture: Exploring Tolerance in UAE Islamic Education Classrooms
English Language Poetry and Qatari Students
Conclusions
