Children in the Arab world

Abstract

This dissertation purports to analyse the position of children in the Arab family and within an Arab - Muslim society in particular. It intends to examine children's roles, based largely on gender and age, as well as, to explore various facets of childhood in an Arab environment, from the upbringing and socialization process of children to their leisure activities and their education. The work is divided into two sections. The first part draws upon Islamic teachings from the Holy Qur'an and the traditions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammed to give an idea of children's status according to Islam. The second section consists in presenting a picture of .typical Arab childhood as depicted in modern and contemporary Arabic literature, namely the novel, the short story and the autobiography. References to sociological and anthropological research works are intended to substantiate or contrast the ideas brought forward by Islamic teachings and narrative literature. It is hoped that, through analysing and comparing these different sources, this dissertation will give clear indications as to children's status and position in the Arab family, child-rearing practices and children's way of life in an Arab setting.