Male-Female Relationships in Arabic Culture - Essay Example

Women have nothing to do in defining the status of women in a male dominant Arabic culture. Religious beliefs and traditions give ample freedom to the males in Muslim culture so that they can control or regulate the freedom of Arabic women. “Koran says girls must stay home and that it is right to beat women if they disobey their husbands” (Chu). In other words, Koran undoubtedly gives authority to men over women in Arabic culture. It is difficult for Arabic females to engage in all types of activities as their men counterparts do.

Driving is prohibited for Saudi women even though it is allowed in other Arabic states. “A Saudi woman sentenced to be lashed 10 times for defying the country's ban on female drivers.  The woman, named Shaima Jastaina and believed to be in her 30s, was found guilty of driving without permission in Jeddah in July 2011”(Jones). Even though the Saudi King interfered in the matter and removed the punishment of Shaima Jastaina, the above incident revealed the extent of oppression faced by women in Saudi Arabia and in other Arabic countries.

No Arab women, especially Saudi women, can go out without covering their entire bodies. It should be noted that in countries like America or Britain, women have the right to wear any clothes they like. In fact, women in western countries cover their bodies less, compared to their male counterparts. Women in western countries take part in kind of social activities just like men whereas, in Arabic culture, it is difficult for women to enjoy such freedom.

It should be noted that Arabic men can marry more than one girl and keep more than one wife at the same time. However, Arabic women do not have the right to keep more than one husband at the same time. In other words, in Arabic culture, all the customs and norms were formulated to safeguard the interests of the male community whereas, in other cultures, the interests of both the males and females are respected in equal measures.

To conclude, the status of Arabic women is determined by religion and tradition rather than the women individuals. Women are just like toys in the hands of men in Arabic culture. They don’t have the authority to take part in any main streams of social life. They are forced to lead a life under the shadow of the dominant male community.