Elizabeth Fernea is a Euro-American, (upper) middle class woman accompanying her anthropologist husband to a very foreign setting in the mid-1950s. What have you learned so far about some of the differences between the ways people live in Iraq and the way you live? What do you think are some of the differences between Fernea’s ideas and behaviors in the 1950s and ideas and behaviors of today?
What were Fernea's ideas and behaviors in the 1950s?
To understand Elizabeth Fernea's ideas and behaviors in the 1950s, an analysis of her experiences and writings during that time is necessary. Fernea's most notable work is the book "Guests of the Sheik," which chronicles her time living in a rural Iraqi village in the 1950s.
In the book, Fernea describes her initial shock and adjustment to the stark cultural differences between her American lifestyle and the traditional Iraqi village. She discusses how her Euro-American, upper-middle-class background shaped her perceptions and expectations, making it difficult for her to adapt to the conservative and patriarchal nature of the Iraqi society she lived in.
Fernea's ideas and behaviors in the 1950s can be summarized as follows:
1. Cultural Shock: Fernea initially experienced shock and disorientation due to the vast differences between her American upbringing and the Iraqi culture. She mentions her struggle with language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and gender roles.
2. Gender Roles: Fernea encountered strict gender roles and expectations in the Iraqi village, where women were expected to be subservient to men. She observed the restrictions imposed on women's freedom, such as the practice of purdah (seclusion) and the requirement to cover their faces in public.
3. Traditional Practices: Fernea witnessed various traditional practices in the village, including arranged marriages, polygamy, and the importance of honor and shame within the community. She grappled with the conflicts between her own progressive beliefs and the traditional practices she encountered.
4. Cross-Cultural Understanding: Despite the initial challenges, Fernea sought to develop an understanding and appreciation for Iraqi culture. She formed relationships with local women, learning about their lives, customs, and beliefs. Through her interactions and observations, she gradually began to bridge the cultural divide.
It is important to note that the ideas and behaviors of individuals are influenced by the era they live in. In the 1950s, societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding gender roles and cultural assimilation, were different from those of today. Fernea's experiences and reactions were reflective of her time, when cross-cultural encounters and global awareness were not as prevalent as they are now.
Today, ideas and behaviors have evolved due to greater exposure to diverse cultures, increased communication, and a deeper understanding of cultural relativism. The perspective and actions of individuals, including Fernea herself, would likely differ in response to similar circumstances in the present day.