Ambiguities of Change: Cosmopolitan Cairenes and the Transformation of Intimate Relations

• In Event: 2266 - Family Section Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 14. Intimate Relationship Formation and Marriage in Different Contexts

Abstract

Three main trends have suggested a changing terrain of gender, sex, and relationships in Egypt: delayed marriage and increased “waithood”, decoupling of sex and marriage, and an increase in alternative forms of marriage. This changing terrain has profound implications for the arena of intimate relations. Although findings suggest there is increased pressure to revert to ideal types of gender norms and expectations in the transition from pre- to post-marital relationships, they also support a theory of transformation. This paper uses in-depth interviews and participant observation to capture young Cairenes’ experiences as they navigate the gap between emerging masculinities and femininities and ideal types in pre- and post-marital relationships and the arising struggles. More specifically, findings elucidate the ways in which young men and women struggle to transform the traditional model of the Egyptian family into one based more on companionship, a degree of egalitarianism between the genders and respect for personal autonomy.

Author

• Mariam Nagi, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin