Family is a central pillar of Saudi Arabian society. Family forms the basis of most people’s social circles (particularly for women), and also provides financial and emotional support. Saudis are expected to have the loyalty and willingness to do anything for one’s family, especially in the spirit of protecting one’s female family members (see Protectiveness (Gheera) in Core Concepts). Individuals generally privilege their family’s wishes (especially their parents’) over their own, and are expected to forfeit certain interests if doing so will improve their family’s well-being and happiness.
Family Structure
Saudi Arabian families are generally patrilineal and patrilocal, meaning the bride moves into their husband’s house at marriage and the family lineage is carried through the father. Traditionally, the entire extended family lived together as a tribe or clan. This is still the case among some Saudi families living in rural areas, such as Bedouins (see Tribal Identity in Core Concepts). However, the nuclear family structure has become more common due to rapid urbanisation over the last few decades.1
Men hold the most authority and are responsible for the primary income, security and safety of the family. They are expected to work outside the home, earn money and to provide for their family. Women have traditionally taken responsibility for the domestic space as the nurturers and bedrocks of the family. They are expected to look after their husband and children, prepare food and provide love and warm-heartedness for the family. Today, it is common for men and women to share financial control of the household. Brothers and sisters may share some domestic duties, such as cleaning. Many Saudi families now also have domestic employees (usually an expatriate worker) that assist the family in daily domestic duties (e.g. cleaning, cooking, driving female family members), depending on the family’s financial capacity and size.
Family Dynamics
Throughout all sectors of Saudi society, parents and elders are highly respected. It is highly inappropriate for children to talk back to or disobey anyone who is older than themselves. The bond between child and parent is especially strong. Traditionally, adult children live in their parents’ house until they are married. If an adult child must move for study or a job, they will usually return to their parents’ home after the scholarship or contract is finished. Most people's decisions continue to be influenced by their parents’ advice in adulthood, especially for women (see Guardianship System and Women's Opportunity below).
Parents financially support their children into adulthood, depending on their financial capabilities. In return, elder family members are cared for by their children and grandchildren into their old age. Extended family members often play a large role assisting raising children, especially if both parents work. Some Saudi families have been known to specifically hire domestic workers with English skills so that their children grow up speaking English and absorbing some cultural cues.
Every day, the men of the family (including close and distant relatives) gather for a meeting known as ‘majalis’ at the house of the eldest male relative. This gathering can be very big in places where large extended families may constitute an entire neighbourhood. This time can be used to discuss anything, from trivial gossip to serious issues. Women may also gather at the house of the eldest female more casually on a weekly basis. Saudi expats often continue this tradition when living overseas, meeting on weekends with their male friends to talk over coffee at someone’s house.
Gender Roles
Gender roles are highly patriarchal in Saudi Arabian culture. Traditionally, females are secluded from most public decision-making and are expected to obey their fathers, brothers and husbands. They are considered to be the carrier of family honour and hence carry greater expectations of social compliance as particularly vulnerable targets that need to be protected (see Honour in Core Concepts). Therefore, shyness and modesty are considered positive qualities in a woman. A woman has more authority if she is the eldest member of a household.