The discovery of oil in the late 1960s catapulted the people of Abu Dhabi out of the isolating poverty into which it had plunged in the 1930s and onto the global stage. Massive construction projects built the city and infrastructural developments altered the physical and cultural landscape; in a few breathtaking decades, the lives of Emiratis were transformed by new opportunities and a social welfare system that offered free education, medical treatment, generous pensions, subsidies to families, and government incentives offered to citizens to participate in all sectors of the economy. Oil wealth also brought new expectations and new life-styles that are often sophisticated and lavish yet just as often criticized for being conspicuous displays of unbridled consumerism. Emirati Women offers a rare view into the lives of Emirati women and how they perceive the changes that have made poverty a dim and almost forgotten memory. In Emirati Women, Bristol-Rhys weaves together eight years of conversations and interviews with three generations of women, her observations of Emirati society in Abu Dhabi, the unflattering stereotypes commonly heard in the extensive expatriate communities, and discussions with her Emirati university students on topics ranging from marriage, independence, freedom, and the future.

Emirati Women: Generations of Change

Politics & Social Sciences

Bristol-Rhys, Jane

Social Sciences

Oxford University Press

Anthropology

<p>The discovery of oil in the late 1960s catapulted Abu Dhabi out of isolating poverty. A boom in construction introduced new sightlines to the city's landscape and transformed its infrastructure and economy. The impressive growth of just a few decades created new opportunities for work and play and developed a social welfare system that offered free education and medical treatment, generous pensions, family subsidies, and government incentives. Citizens were suddenly encouraged to participate in all aspects of their remaking, and wealth from a seemingly limitless oil economy enabled many households to acquire a sheen of sophistication. </p>
<p>The pattern of Abu Dhabi's phenomenal growth can be traced throughout the United Arab Emirates, and oil wealth can be felt among their societies as well. Yet conspicuous consumption hasn't cast the Emirates in a very favorable light. Both at home and abroad, many have accused Emirati citizens of violating the limits of taste and tolerance. Emirati Women offers rare perspective on those who have been affected most by the Emirates' rise in power. Jane Bristol-Rhys merges eight years of conversations and interviews with three generations of women and her own personal observations on Abu Dhabi society, boldly confronting the unflattering stereotypes that quietly flourish among expatriate communities. She also shares her unique findings on such topics as marriage, independence, freedom, and the future.</p>

Emirati Women: Generations of Change (Columbia/Hurst)

History

Middle East

Columbia University Press

Biographies & Memoirs

C. Hurst & Co. Publishers Ltd.

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