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Diverse arab cultures on the identity development of teenage women in cinema
Algahmdi, Orjwan
Algahmdi, Orjwan
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Thesis .pdf
Adobe PDF, 363.5 KB
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Thesis .pdf
Adobe PDF, 363.5 KB
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This research thesis explores the representation of diverse Arab cultures and their impact on the identity development of teenage women in cinema, with a particular focus on the political and social dynamics within traditional Levantine and Gulf households. The study highlights how regional differences in family structures, societal expectations, and gender roles influence the personal and social identities of young women in these regions. The contrast between the politically active and socially fluid environments of the Levant and the more conservative, patriarchal norms prevalent in the Gulf provides a backdrop for understanding how young women navigate their identities.
Through the lens of these and other films, the research delves into the challenges faced by teenage girls as they grapple with issues of autonomy, gender roles, and cross-cultural friendships. In (Wadjda) , for instance, the protagonist challenges traditional gender norms in a conservative Saudi household, reflecting the tension between individual aspirations and societal expectations. In contrast, (Caramel portrays a group of women navigating personal and societal struggles in a more liberal yet politically complex Lebanese setting, highlighting the fluidity of social norms in the Levant. By analyzing visual storytelling, character development, and dialogue, this study emphasizes the competing values of collectivism versus individualism and traditional versus evolving gender expectations. These films serve as cultural texts that reveal how young Arab women, growing up in politically and socially diverse households, are shaped by the intersections of culture, politics, and gender. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how cinema reflects the complex process of identity formation for
teenage girls in the Arab world.
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CC0 1.0 Universal