Divorce Legislation in the Arab Gulf: Trends and Educational Differentials

Abstract

Traditionally, there have been internalized cultural values regarding family cohesion in the Arab region. However, as a result of modernization, rapid economic growth, and social transition, divorce rates have risen gradually over the past few years. This paper examines societal attitudes toward divorce predictors and the legislative response in Qatar, which has involved considerable initiatives to strengthen family cohesion. It highlights the various individual differences which lead to marital dissatisfaction and, ultimately, to divorce. The study uses original data from the sample of a 2019 national survey. In light of the legislation that aims to prevent the dissolution of marriage, the results suggest that sociodemographic patterns significantly contribute to divorce predictors. The study calls for urgent governmental responses in establishing premarital intervention as means to consider the changing impact of marital interactions and to mitigate the incidence of divorce in the Arab gulf.

Keywords:

• divorce
• family
• legislation
• marital dissatisfaction
• education

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Noora Lari

Noora Lari is Research Assistant Professor at the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI), Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar, [email protected];

Maryam Al-Thani

Maryam Al-Thani is Senior Research Assistant at SESRI, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar, [email protected].