Contrast Between Arabian and American Culture (Essay Sample)

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The word culture simply refers to a way of life of a specific group of people in terms of behavior, cultural norms and beliefs, ancestry and all other forms of livelihood. In comparing the culture of the Arabians and that of the Americans. For example, they appear to be very different in various ways and other aspects and modes of understanding. Therefore, this essay seeks to examine the Arabian and the American culture. Various components will be contrasted such as family orientation, marriage and religion. (Jamal)
The two cultures are different in terms of family, marriage and religion. In terms of family, the Arabian culture allows members in the specific families to have extended part of the family other than the nuclear family. In addition, it is regarded as the smallest social unit of the society which is governed by the father who is the head and the watchdog of the family. However, the father the divine provider and the security personnel of the entire family. In terms of children rearing, the mothers and other long-term house helps are only the ones concerned with taking care of the children. The member of the larger family often live together to conserve their cultural heritage and the father is always responsible of the family development and advancement. (Jamal) .Contrary, Americans culture has families’ which aims at offering equal responsibilities between the husband and the wife. All the parents take equal charge and responsibility of their children. However, the family is based mostly on the nuclear family other than the extended part and hence the married couple is allowed to live the extended part and live in the place of their choice which is most factual and recognized among many nations of the world.
On the other hand marriage is esteemed in both cultures, however, in the Arabian culture, men are allowed to marry even their cousins and have minimum of four wives. Furthermore, it is not regarded as major ceremony; in addition, divorce is necessarily easy for men and difficult for women. There are few cases of adoption and more so gay type of marriage is not recognized. (Jamal) Contrary to the American form of marriage, monogamy is highly recognized and people are allowed to marry outside their family i.e. no marrying of relatives. In addition, gay marriages are allowed since it is implemented in the constitution .is it also regarded as a great step of transition in life and therefore, great ceremonies are conducted to signify this. (Anonymous)
In terms or religion, statistics indicate that almost 100% of people in Saudi Arabia are Muslims and that no other religious faith is allowed as indicated in the Islamic constitution and Sharia laws. The Saudis have no special ordained clergy or priesthood. However, the people that lead prayers are from a learned group called Ulama which comprises of judges, ...