The Contemporary Arab Family
(Radical Change and Redefinition of Roles)

War, revolutions, and Western colonialism have taken its toll on life in the Middle East. Although the family still commands loyalty, more than other social institutions, yet there is a continuous redefinition of roles in the family.

The economic developments brought on many changes to the family in the Middle East. Women numbers in the workforce have risen rapidly in the Middle East. Women have gone to work either to find a "fulfilling and satisfying job" or to "support the family". The economic pressures have also forced men to go abroad looking for better jobs.

With women increasing numbers in the workforce and men working abroad, the family is not the same institution it used to be.