The Omani Family

Abstract

To gain a better understanding of the Omani family, the paper first presents an overview of significant attributes that characterize Omani society and its people which include: the foundation of the Omani state, the strong influence of Arabic and Islamic heritage, the influences of tribalism, the emergence of modern Oman, and the challenges that confront the Omani family today. Through analysis of field research and relevant literature on measures of cohesiveness, the authors establish that the Omani family can be considered to be highly cohesive. As well, they assert their confidence that the power of the Islamic and Arabic traditions and heritage will continue to support and sustain the Omani family, thus enabling it to confront both current and future challenges.

Key Words:

• Family change
• family challenges
• Islamic heritage
• modern Oman
• Omani history
• Omani family
• Omani family cohesion
• Omani family strengths