Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Creation Date

2009

Publisher Information

University of South Florida Tampa Library

Keywords

Nomads, Saudi Arabia, Āl Murrah, Arab tribe

Abstract

The Āl Murrah, a Bedouin tribe in Saudi Arabia, practice nomadic pastoralism to this day. They continue to resist the pressures to settle exerted by government sponsored settlement programs, as well as the rise of a modern capitalist economy, whose growth increases the cost of living. The Āl Murrah’s motives for resisting sedentarization are based on a collectivist value system that defines a high quality of life based on accessing the desert and camels’ milk, having the freedom to decide when and where to herd their camels, and gaining the respect of their family and community. These factors are contingent upon the preservation of the Āl Murrah’s segmented tribal structure. Conflict arises when modern sedentary societies institute policies that emphasize increasing the standard of living without taking into account the policies’ effects on Bedouin quality of life. Understanding the Āl Murrah’s motives for maintaining their nomadic lifestyle can help government and non-profit agencies develop programs that interact with the Bedouin in more culturally sensitive ways.

Physical Information

1 online resource (31p.) : maps

Comments

Includes bibliographical refere

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