The Tribe in Gulf Contemporary Political Concepts: The Kuwait Example

Abstract

This study asks whether it is possible to read politics in Gulf society in general and Kuwaiti society in particular without the need to consider the tribe and concepts of the tribe that make up part of the region’s culture. The paper asks: Is tribal culture still inherent to contemporary society? What impact does it have on society's life and on political aspects? Using a survey of 3,437 subjects from all social sectors, this paper discusses the differences between people with a tribal background or urban background with regards to contemporary political concepts such as citizenship, loyalty and affiliation, attitude toward civil society institutions, and issues of democracy. Significant differences were identified between age groups, such as youth, adults, and elderly raised within a tribe. These are explained by a look at the processes of social integration that exist within modern Kuwaiti society, as well as the degree to which social integration is achieved, and how much influence is wielded by the tribe and its frame of thought.