AN INTERGRATED APPROACH TOWARDS SPATIAL THEORY
A case study of courtship in Amman, Jordan
Kevin Clites
Field Study Proposal
December 12, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS/PROPOSAL STRUCTURE
1- Introduction
a. Importance of Spatial Theory
b. Proposal Organization
2- Spatial Theory Theoretical Framework
a. Society is defined by relationship within social Spaces
b. Social Spaces are understood by comprehending the relationship between aspects by which it is defined
i. Spatial Theory defines this relationship
c. The deduction upon which Spatial Theory is dependent
3- Project Aim
a. To test the efficacy of a new Spatial Model
4- Literature Review
a. Discussion of Public and Private Sphere
i. Implications of Power to this model
ii. Implications of Authority to this model
1. Ambiguity to either claim
2. Foucault’s Theory of Individualism
3. Implication of Foucault’s Theory
a. Ability to integrate with Spatial Theory
i. His failure to account for Authority
ii. Combining Discourse with Spatial
iii. Combing with Two Sphere
iv. Combing Two Sphere with Discourse
v. Failures of Discourse Method
4. Current adaptions
a. Successes and shortcomings
i. Inability to diagram
ii. Internet implications
5- Applied Model
a. Explanation of the proposed Spatial Theory model
6- Method
a. How the Applied model will be verified or denied
b. Why courtship will be analyzed
c. Combinations which will be analyzed
d. Special Considerations
i. Subjects, ages, location, language, consent form, safety, etc.
e. Method One
i. Unstructured Interviews
f. Method Two
i. Observation
g. Method Three
i. Qualitative internet Study (interactive)
7- Hypothesis
a. AXIS A and B will be independent variables which will predict behavior on a statistically significant portion of tested individuals using the AXIS of INTERSECTION
8- Timeline
a. Detailed description of project timeline from January 1-April 7
9- Verification
a. Project will not prove validity; only suggest it
b. No statistical correlation would mean:
i. Proposed theory is insufficient or
ii. The method used to quantify data was insufficient
10- Conclusion
11- Bibliography
12- Apendix
a. Diagrams
i. Nelson’s concept of public and private
ii. Modernity’s impact on Nelson’s model
iii. Example of discourse method categorization
iv. The proposed comprehensive model
b. Consent Form
c. Interview details
d. Observation details
e. System for quantification of AXIS A and B
f. Travel Itinerary and funding
g. Legal and health considerations
h. Infield Contacts
i. IRB Application
j. Academics (Courses and Facilitators)
1.1 Introduction
Since the turn of the twentieth century, ethnographers have sought to understand the relationship between space, culture and individuality; according to Spatial Theory, the ability to diagram this relationship for a given culture would allow researchers to develop models which predict behavior on a societal level. This potential has led many scholars to apply the principles of Spatial Theory to volatile regions, especially in the Middle East; unfortunately, there is arguably no comprehensive model developed thus far.
This project will propose what is perhaps this complete model; it will also provide a method for verification or denial of its validity. To do this, first the theoretical framework of Spatial Theory will be discussed (2.1), after which contemporary models will be brought vis-à-vis in the literature review (3.1). The project will then detail the method used to predict social behavior in the Middle East on a societal level (5.1). After this method is introduced, this paper will discuss how and what criteria would be needed for verification (9.1). In conclusion, the limitations of such a project will be listed (10.1).
2.1 Theoretical Framework of Spatial Theory
In its most basic form, Spatial Theory exists on the assumption that understanding behaviors associated with social spaces is not independent, but rather, completely dependent to understanding a society.[1] Thus, if one can “understand social space”, they are in turn able to understand a society, and understanding a society enables one to understand behaviors which will likely occur given specific stimuli to that society.
But how is one to “understand social space?” This question yields vastly divergent considerations from Spatial Theorists. According to Henri Lefebrvre, the uncontested scholar of Spatial Theory, “social space is a combination of nature (physical space)… mental space… and experienced space.”[2] Lefebvre says understanding social space, however, is not dependent upon understanding these attributes singularly. Rather, it is found in developing a “theoretical link” between these aspects.[3] This is because “space” is not static, rather, it is developing; understanding social space is completely dependent upon understanding this development, and this development is not seen in the “individual members”, but moreover in their relationship to the other. Thus, to understand social space, one must understand the relationship between the components which comprise social space.
To reiterate, spacial theory is based on the following deduction:
1) A society is defined by its use of social space
2) Social space is comprised of various aspects
3) These aspects may not change, but the definition of its social space does
4) Thus, the definition of social space is not defined by these aspects, but rather by their relationship
5) Developing a model which demonstrates this relationship will demonstrate a “society” because
6) A society is defined by social space, and this theoretical link describes social space
Beyond these general deductions, Spatial Theory is widely divergent. However, this divergence does not affect the theoretical framework of future arguments which will be made in this proposal; the tenets established thus far are sufficient for the discussions that will be made concerning Spatial Theory as it is applied to the Middle East.
3.1 Project Aim
This project seeks to examine the efficacy of utilizing an updated Spatial Model which combines the theoretical components of various scholars who will be discussed through this proposal. This system will be considered effective if it is able to explain and/or predict social behavior in the Middle East with greater accuracy than current models that are currently used to understand the region.
4.1 Literature Review
The most widely accepted Spatial Theory for the Middle East conjectures that Middle Eastern life consists of two spheres, the “public” and “private” sphere.[4] Cynthia Nelson said, “Most ethnographies of the Middle East, particularly those centering on nomadic societies, describe the human universe as segregated into two social worlds which are marked by the nature of the sexes…these worlds are characterized as the public (male) and private (female).”[5] Thus, according to Nelson, these spheres (which account as physical and social spaces) determine which cultural norms and behaviors are applied in certain situations and locations. According to Nelson this divide is shaped by authority. “Authority is segregated in this dichotomy. The home is regarded as the woman’s for all internal purposes. Her authority in domestic affairs is an established fact…and (things) in the public sphere are men’s”.[6]
Other scholars, such as Assad, contend this claim saying, “There is a distinction between power and authority. Power refers to the relation between agent and object as a means…as an exploiter, whereas authority refers to the subordination of human consciences to a legitimate rule”.[7] Assad’s argument is valid- are women truly limited in Middle Eastern societies by authority?[8]
It is patently possible that women in such societies are not limited by authority, but rather their power to compete in the public sphere. This argument is buoyed by the realization that such societies are often characterized by high conflict, and low technology; a blend which would exacerbate the need for power as opposed to authority to compete in the public sphere.[9]
Other scholars argue that we do not yet have sufficient ethnographic data to support either claim. Lienhardt said, “It is difficult to gain a precise knowledge of a woman’s position. Apart from being difficult for a man to talk with a woman there, it is not even very proper for him to ask much about them, particularly to ask them in any detail about specific cases…one can easily be misled, particularly in assessing the extent of male dominance”.[10] To this assertion, Nelson has responded, “We know precious little about how women in these societies view their situation, whether they have “power” and how they wield it…if we had better knowledge of women, we might come up with different images of society and the definitions of power”.[11]
Although scholars agree on the implications of power and authority in Spatial Theory, some claim that gender distinctions altogether should not be made.[12] [13]According to Foucault, sexual difference should be reduced to individuality, at which point gender difference is lost and becomes merely a coefficient of power and identification. He thus encourages the use of power from an individual’s standpoint, and argues the essentiality of individualism in Spatial Theory. “I do not think that a society can exist without power relations, if by that one means the strategies by which individuals try to direct and control others. The problem, then, is not to try and dissolve them in the utopia of completely transparent communication, but to acquire the rules of law”.[14]
If understanding social space is completely dependent on understanding society, and if social space is determined by the relationship held between the components within it, and if power relations are an essential component of every society, then understanding power relations is also an essential component of Spatial Philosophy. In theory, this would mean that if Foucault’s assertion is correct, then gender difference (besides its effect on an individual’s coefficient of “power”) would be irrelevant. However, Foucault and other scholars have not accounted for authority in this deduction. This project will understand genders as a coefficient of power, while maintaining there may exist cultural assumptions of authority which are gender specific.
As the Middle East continues to diversify its usage of “space”, most scholars agree that the “two sphere” spatial model fails to explain even superficial aspects of Middle Eastern society.[15] Thus, academics have looked elsewhere to supplement this model. Concerning this, L.P. Kaya said, “It is perhaps more useful to replace the dichotomy between public and private with the heuristic of a series of diverse spaces, resembling Foucault's discourses…such spaces are constructed according to several principles, including gender, age, and kinship”.[16] Thus, according to Foucault, “Discourse functions by enabling certain types of communication, between certain types of people”.[17]
Foucault’s method is certainly effective in achieving an accurate portrayal of a culture, especially those which are more complex. However, it fails to create a dynamic model which can predict, or even explain societal behavior in the Middle East. According to Lefubvre “We need a theory of space (society) and we need to discover or construct a theoretical unity linking “fields” that in “normal” theoretical practice are apprehended separately-i.e. physical space (nature), mental space (the discursive construction of space) and social space (or experienced, lived space).”[18]
Rather than creating this “theoretical link…in seemingly unrelated fields” however, those utilizing Foucault’s model in the Middle East are really taking related fields, and forming a practical link. This failure could be compared to making a list of input/outputs, when a model which performs such calculations is required. To repeat Lefubvre, a “theoretical link is required” because the genius of Spatial Theory does not lie in the components of a society, but rather in the theoretical link which ties these components.
Because many scholars in the field realize this limitation, Nelson’s dichotomous model is still widely referenced.[19] Often, however, this referencing comes with a lengthy discussion examining how to apply such a model to the modern Middle East. For example, the most pressing of these questions: does the internet fall into the public or private sphere? In this regard Thompson argued, “The internet is thus distinct both from women's offline social spheres, formed through connections, and from the traditional "shared and anonymous" public sphere, inhabited by men”.[20] Kaya adds to this claim that,
“In the public sphere, men's genealogical relationships form the public face of their families, and their good reputations depend upon protecting the privacy of women. On the internet, it is specifically these "public" genealogical relationships which are not discussed, while women's "private" thoughts and feelings, usually shared with relatives and same-sex age-mates, comprise their online identities. Nevertheless, the internet has a "public" element, as any stranger on the street could potentially become an online friend.”
Because the unique attributes associated with being “online” Kaya continues to argue that the internet comprises a unique sphere:
“The internet sphere, then, is neither public nor private as these terms have previously been applied in the Middle East. Relationships are not part of a prior web. People on the internet are not socially categorized by relationship or age, so behavior cannot be adjusted accordingly. All the same, chatters openly share information which is normally excluded from the public sphere. The individuation produced by the materiality of the computer, the café environment, and the self-presentation of chatters, by masking connectivity, makes it much easier for Yarmouk students to speak openly and to undertake the risk of mixing with the opposite sex. In internet cafés, students can comfortably engage in casual romantic relationships which would be unthinkable in other contexts.”[21]
Although Thompson and Kaya argue that the internet comprises a synthesis of the public and private sphere, neither suggest that the internet is a synthesis of these spaces; rather, both suggest that the internet comprises a “sphere of its own”. Perhaps this could be attributed to both authors’ positive disposition to Foucault and his discourse method, as opposed to traditional Spatial Theory, Lefebvre, and Nelson’s model; this project will demonstrate how such a preference comes at an undesired expense.
5.1 Applied Model
The proposed Spatial Model to explain contemporary society in the Middle East bases its foundation on Nelson’s theory: spaces in the Middle East are dichotomously divided into two spheres, the Public and Private.[22] It assumes, however, that since Nelson developed the “Public” and “Private” spheres- modernity, Westernization and technology have actually pushed these spheres together, and these spheres now overlap; this overlap creates a unique area, which will be known as the “Protected sphere”.[23] This sphere acts as a spectrum that carries attributes of both the Public and Private.
When diagrammed as a chart, this model will feature a line above the overlapping spheres and a parallel line below the two spheres; for purpose of explanation, the top axis will be known as “AXIS A” while the bottom is known as “AXIS B”. The Sphere to the right will be considered the Private sphere, the sphere to the left will be known as the public sphere and the middle region will be designated as protected.[24]
AXIS A will represent the physical location or institution that is being questioned. Those locations, which are closed and more conservative in nature, will be placed as a point on AXIS A (closer to the right side). More liberal and open institutions will be placed as a point on AXIS A closer to the left side. Exact placement of this point will be discussed later in the proposal.
Axis B will represent the person or group that is being questioned. Persons that are female and more conservative will be placed as a point near the right side of the axis; men and those who are more liberal will be placed near the left side of the axis. Similar to AXIS A, exact placement of the points on AXIS B will be discussed later.[25]
There will be an AXIS OF INTERSECTION, or AXIS I which runs parallel to AXIS A and AXIS B, precisely through the center of the public, protected and private sphere.
The model will be used by calculating a coefficient which determines the placement of a “location” on AXIS A and a coefficient which calculates the placement of an “individual” (who is at the location being calculated on AXIS A ) on AXIS B. A line will then be drawn connecting the two points. Where this line crosses “AXIS I” will predict behavior which is likely associated with this individual at the particular location.
6.1 Method
This new comprehensive model will be verified or denied by collecting qualitative and quantitative data which will be input into the model; the ability of the model output to explain social patterns both quantitatively and qualitatively will determine the models efficacy.
Because this model predicts “behavior” a uniform behavioral topic must be analyzed. Courtship behavior is rigidly defined in the Middle East, and this model seeks to predict behavior, therefore it will analyze courtship behaviors as taken from a combination of the following categories:
-Conservative individual in the private sphere, protected sphere, and public sphere -Moderate individual in the private sphere, protected sphere and public sphere -liberal individual in the private sphere, protected sphere and public sphere.
In the undertaking of the study, careful effort to only study individuals who consider themselves culturally Jordanian will be made. Studies will focus around the vicinity of Amman, because the three major quadrants of AXIS A are easily found there; Amman is also known for representing modern Jordanian culture (both conservative and liberal). No minors will be interviewed, and recruited participants will be between the ages of 21-33. In all methods, special care will be taken to not pressure interviewees in any way to participate in the interview. Participation will be assured both verbally and via consent form.[26] All collected data will be encrypted and stored on a password protected computer in a password protected program. If individuals do not wish to have their name known, a pseudonym will be used in its place. Interviews will be conducted in Arabic, using my language ability, as well as the help of a translator.
Specifically, the before mentioned groups will be tested using the following methods:
Method 1- An ethnographic study that will be expressed qualitatively and quantitatively, in which the interviewee will be asked concerning their courtship behavior in the three quantifiable axis A environments; a prior determinacy on the probable AXIS B level of the individual will be ascertained.[27] This method will be conducted with 12 individuals, 6 of whom are male, 6 of whom are female, taking special care to represent each of the three major AXIS B groups twice. A descriptive response to the interviewee’s behavior in the three zones will be recorded; these results will be translated into qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data will be created using the comprehensive applied model. These individuals will be found via social networking, and will only be interviewed after a firm relationship has been established. Any women interviewed will be interviewed by another woman to not violate cultural norms and to ensure unbiased responses. The relationship between these women will likewise be firm.
Specifically, this method will help shed in-depth understanding on the courtship behavior of AXIS B individuals in various spaces. This will provide data which can be used as input to verify/deny the comprehensive model. Translation of qualitative data into quantitative data will be described in the appendix.[28]
Method 2- Nine qualitative participant observations will be performed; each observation will occur over the space of three hours. Three of the observations will occur at locations considered private, three of the observations will occur at locations considered protected, and three of the observations will occur at locations considered liberal. During this time, special care to observing female/male interaction will be made.[29] The results of each will be reproduced descriptively. Significant trends (those which happen repeatedly through the observation) will be described quantitatively.
Specifically, this method will help shed in-depth understanding on the effect of AXIS A on an individual’s courtship behavior. Like method one, this will provide data which can be used as input to verify/deny the comprehensive model. Translation of qualitative data into quantitative data will be described in the appendix.[30]
Method 3- A qualitative study that seeks to understand the internet behavior of all three AXIS B groups will be conducted. The study will be completed using the following online forums: Facebook, Muslima, Habibi, and various chatting applications.[31] Data will be obtained by observing courtship behavior of individuals known to exist in certain AXIS B groups. No effort will be made to analyze an equal amount of AXIS B groups, however, individuals who have an unknown AXIS B classification, will not be analyzed. It is very possible that certain groups (i.e. conservative AXIS B) are still unable to be communicated with online.
Because the amount of variables which could affect data collection, this method will not analyze a set number of persons; rather, the time collecting data from the internet will be no shorter than 20 hours. This report will be summarized descriptively. Combined with method one and two, this report will help confirm the validity/invalidity of the comprehensive model.
7.1 Hypothesis
It is theorized that AXIS A and AXIS B will act as independent variables, while AXIS I will serve as a dependent variable; thus, if correct, the introduced model will predict behavior (the intersection of AXIS I) on a statistically significant portion of tested individuals.
Consequently, this would confirm the relationship between “spaces” and “individuality” in Amman, Jordan as defined in this project. Such a conclusion would also suggest the accuracy of the quantifiers as used to determine AXIS A and AXIS B.
8.1 Timeline
January 1-7 (Arrive in Amman) (Establish living quarters and settle) (Familiarize with area)
January 8-14 (Familiarize) (Social contacting) (Spatial Mapping of area) (Method 3, 3 hours)
January 15-21 (Spatial Mapping) (Social contacting) (Method 3, 5 hours)
January 22-28 (Spatial Mapping) (Social contactingJan/Feb 29-4 (Spatial Mapping) (Social contacting) (Method 2, 3 hours) (Method 3, 5 hours)
February 5-11 (Social contacting) (Method 2, 3 hours) (Method 3, 5 hours)
February 12-18 (Social contacting) (Method 2, 3 hours) (Method 3, 5 hours)
February 19-25 (Social contacting) (Method 1, 1int) (Method 2, 3 hours)
Feb/Mar 26-3 (Social contacting) (Method 1, 2int) (Method 2, 3 hours)
March 4-10 (Method 1, 3int) (Method 2, 3 hours) (Method 3, finalize report)
March 11-17 (Method 1, 3int) (Method 2, 3 hours)
March 18-24 (Method 1, 3int) (Method 2, 3 hours)
March 25-31 (Method 1, finalize report) (Method 2, finalize report)
April 1-7 (Additional questions) (prepare for departure)
9.1 Verification
A significant statistical correlation will not prove the validity of the project; however, it will suggest it. Further studies which are more specific in nature and collect larger amounts of data would be needed to verify such claims. If no statistical correlation is found, the conclusion would state either 1) the proposed theory is insufficient to model society in Amman, Jordan or 2) the quantification method used was insufficient to accurately translate data into the model.
10.1 Conclusion
Regardless of the efficacy of the proposed model, this project will add valuable insight into understanding the Middle East. Particularly, it will shed light on how the internet is evolving as a sphere of influence, and how this development is implicated with women’s rights and courtship. This will expectantly pave questions for further research. Ultimately, the insight from this research will improve the West’s ability to pursue economic and political alliances which will be mutually beneficial for both regions.
11.1
Bibligraphy
Afsaruddin, Asthma, ed. 1999. Hermeneutics and Honor: Negotiating Female "Public" Space in Islamic/ate Societies. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.
Alexanian, Janet A. 2006. "Publicly Intimate Online: Iranian Web Logs in Southern California." Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East 26(1):134-145.
Al-Thakeb, Fahed T. 1985. The arab family and modernity: Evidence from kuwait. Current Anthropology 26, no. 5: pp. 575-580.
Anderson, Jon W. 2003. "New Media, New Publics: Reconfiguring the Public Sphere of Islam." Social Research 70(3):887-906.
Andrzej Jan, Leon Zieleniec. 2007. Space and social theory. Los Angeles, Calif.: Los Angeles, Calif. : SAGE Pub.
Asad, Talal. 1972. Market model, class structure and consent: A reconsideration of swat political organisation. Man 7, no. 1: pp. 74-94.
Baert, Patrick. 1998. Social theory in the twentieth century. New York: New York : New York University Press.
Bernal, Victoria. 2005. "Eritrea on-line: Diaspora, Cyberspace, and the Public Sphere." American Ethnologist 32(4):660-675.
Bradley, James. 1998. The uses and misuses of data and models : The mathematization of the human sciences. Ed. Kurt C Schaefer. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Sage Publications.
vom Bruck, Gabrielle. 1997a. "A House Turned Inside Out: Inhabiting Space in a Yemeni City." Journal of Material Culture 2(2):139-182.
Diekman, A. Ed. 1994. A Stochastic modelling of social processe. Orlando: Orland.
Foucault, Michel. 2000. Power. Ed. James D. Faubion -. New York: New York : New Press ; New York : Distributed by W.W. Norton.
———. 1990. The history of sexuality. New York: New York : Vintage Books.
———. 1982. The subject and power. Critical Inquiry, Summer, Vol.8, no. 4: 777-795.
Hirsch, Jennifer and Holly Wardlow. 2006. Modern Loves: The Anthropology of Romantic Courtship and Companionate Marriage. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Kaya, Laura Pearl. 2009. Dating in a sexually segregated society: Embodied practices of online romance in irbid, jordan. Anthropological Quarterly 82, no. 1: pp. 251-278.
Kedem-Friedrich, Peri and Maged Al-Atawneh. 2004. Does modernity lead to greater well-being? bedouin women undergoing a socio-cultural transition. Social Indicators Research 67, no. 3: pp. 333-351.
Korson, J. Henry. 1969. Student attitudes toward mate selection in a muslim society: Pakistan. Journal of Marriage and Family 31, no. 1: pp. 153-165.
Kuppinger, Petra. 2011. Himmelstochter: A muslima in german public spheres. Journal of Middle East Women's Studies 7, no. 2: pp. 27-55.
Lefebvre, Henri. 2008. Space, difference, everyday life : Reading henri lefebvre. Ed. Kanishka Goonewardena. New York: New York : Routledge.
Lefebvre, Henri. 1991. The Production of Space. Translated by Donald Nicholson-Smith. Cambridge: Blackwell, 1991.
Lienhardt, Peter A. 1972. Some Social Aspects of the Trucial States In the Arabian Peninsula: Society and Politics. D. Hopwood, Ed. London: Allen and Unwin
Tukasz Stanek. 2011. Henri lefebvre on space : Architecture, urban research, and the production of theory. Minneapolis Minn.: Minneapolis Minn. : University of Minnesota Press.
Mukherjee, Ramkrishna. 1983. Classification in social research. Albany: Albany : State University of New York Press.
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Obermeyer, Carla Makhlouf. 2000. Sexuality in morocco: Changing context and contested domain. Culture, Health & Sexuality 2, no. 3: pp. 239-254.
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12 APENDIX
12.1
Figure i
Figure ii
Figure iii
Figure iv
Voluntary Agreement Form
I, __________________ know that I am volunteering to participate in an interview that will ask about the interactions I have with the opposite gender. I am only participating because I want to. I know I am not required to participate. I do/do not (please circle) wish for my name and answers to be shared with others. I will not share information which would be harmful to me or others.
I, __________________ have explained this form to the person being interviewed. They are genuinely interested in participating.
__________________________________________ ___________
Person being interviewed Date
__________________________________________ ___________
Person interviewing Date
12.c
Method One
The following should be noted concerning the interview format-
· All those interviewed will have a firm relationship with the interviewee
· The interview will be unstructured, no questions will be asked verbatim
· Questions will be phrased in a culturally accepted manner
· Interview will not last longer than 30 minutes
o If further interviewing is required, an additional arrangement will be made (In such a circumstance, no obligation or pressure would be made for a second interview)
- How often do you chat on the internet? Do you have a Facebook account? What percentage of your Facebook and chat “friends”are your gender? Would you marry someone you met online? Do you use the internet at home, or the internet café? Do you ever speak with others on the internet who are present in the same café? Have you ever met someone that you talked with online? Where did you meet them? What gave you the courage to meet them? Have you ever talked with someone online that you met in person? Where did you meet that person? Do your friends have similar experiences? Who of your “friends” do you talk with the most?
- How are visitors (both relatives and non-relatives) treated at your home? Are your siblings married? What is the bartering/courtship process like? What are dissimilar gender relationships like in Islam when people are related? How would you treat so-and-so in place one, place two and place three?
- If I make eye contact with the opposite gender at such-and such place, is that normal? Has that happened to you? What about this store? What about the university? Have you ever met someone of the opposite gender? What was it like? Do you have friends who have met others? Where did they meet? Do you feel comfortable in such and such place?
- What would you talk with such and such person about such and such place? How religious are your parents? Would you consider yourself the same? How do you feel about such and such (obscure religious philosophy)? What do you think is the best type of political system? How religious do you hope your spouse to be?
12.d
Sample Observation Activity Criteria
The following represents a sample of AXIS B observations to be made
Are genders mixed? Do genders interact? Is any type of flirtation (such as eye contact) noticed? Does the physical structure (area) facilitate or prohibit gender mixing? What are the age demographics? Are families present? Do the individuals seem Western or traditional? Do people operate as groups or individuals? How many people are using cell phones? Do people using phones seem to display independence? How Islamic is the female dressing?
12.e
System for Quantifying AXIS A and B levels
(As used for both method one and two)
Perhaps the most venerable point of this project is the initial difficulty of quantifying AXIS A and B levels. If these points are not labeled correctly, it would likely be impossible to even weakly suggest the validity of the project.
AXIS A levels will be predicted first. Using principles and pictures taken directly from “The Production of Space” “Henri Lefebvre on Space” and ”Systems of Discourse” I will predict the classification of a space as between extreme left, left, middle, right, and extreme right. I will then take pictures of these areas and justify my decision, and send this justification to three spatial scholars (sdfsdf, sdfsdfs, sdfsf) they will in turn correct my decision, or confirm it. I will repeat this until all requested areas have been quantified.
Next, using Methods taken from “Stochastic Modeling of Social Processes” and “Classification in Social Research” I will create a “schematically conceived universe” as any 21-33 year old within the area which I am observing and create 5 classes which exist within these universes. These observations will be made and repeated in the early stages of method two, as method two will be carried out before method one. These classifications will then be used to translate qualitative data into quantificational data. As data is calculated using the comprehensive model, other classifications will be explored as more effective coefficients of AXIS A and B. Many of these will be taken from the discourse methods.
[1] Andrzej Jan, Leon Zieleniec. 2007. Space and social theory. Los Angeles, Calif.: Los Angeles, Calif. : SAGE Pub.
[2] Lefebvre, Henri. 1991. The Production of Space. Translated by Donald Nicholson-Smith. Cambridge: Blackwell, 1991.
[3] Lefebvre, Henri. 2008. Space, difference, everyday life : Reading henri lefebvre. Ed. Kanishka Goonewardena. New York: New York : Routledge.
[4] Sa'ar, Amalia. 2001. Lonely in your firm grip: Women in israeli-palestinian families. The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute 7, no. 4: pp. 723-739.
[5] Nelson, Cynthia. 1974. Public and private politics: Women in the middle eastern world. American Ethnologist 1, no. 3: pp. 551-563.
[6] Nelson, Cynthia. 1974. Public and private politics: Women in the Middle Eastern world. American Ethnologist 1, no. 3: pp. 551-563.
[7] Asad, Talal. 1972. Market model, class structure and consent: A reconsideration of swat political organization. Man 7, no. 1: pp. 74-94.
[8] Anderson, Jon W. 2003. "New Media, New Publics: Reconfiguring the Public Sphere of Islam." Social Research 70(3):887-906.
[9] Afsaruddin, Asthma, ed. 1999. Hermeneutics and Honor: Negotiating Female "Public" Space in Islamic/ate Societies. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.
[10] Lienhardt, Peter A. 1972. Some Social Aspects of the Trucial States In the Arabian Peninsula: Society and Politics. D. Hopwood, Ed. London: Allen and Unwin
[11] Nelson, Cynthia. 1974. Public and private politics: Women in the Middle Eastern world. American Ethnologist 1, no. 3: pp. 551-563.
[12]Foucault, Michel. 2000. The history of sexuality. New York: New York : Vintage Books.
[13] Rozmarin, Miri. 2005. Power, freedom, and individuality: Foucault and sexual difference. Human Studies 28, no. 1: pp. 1-14.
[14] Foucault, Michel. 2000. Power. Ed. James D. Faubion -. New York: New York : New Press ; New York : Distributed by W.W. Norton.
[15] Afsaruddin, Asthma, ed. 1999. Hermeneutics and Honor: Negotiating Female "Public" Space in Islamic/ate Societies. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.
[16] Kaya, Laura Pearl. 2009. Dating in a sexually segregated society: Embodied practices of online romance in irbid, jordan. Anthropological Quarterly 82, no. 1: pp. 251-278.
[17] Zito, George V. 1984. Systems of discourse: Structures and semiotics in the social sciences. Westport, Conn.: Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press.
[18] Lefebvre, Henri. 1991. The Production of Space. Translated by Donald Nicholson-Smith. Cambridge: Blackwell, 1991.
[19] Zaidi, Ali Hassan. 2011. Islam, modernity, and the human sciences. New York: New York : Palgrave Macmillan.
[20] Alexanian, Janet A. 2006. "Publicly Intimate Online: Iranian Web Logs in Southern California." Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East 26(1):134-145.
[21] Kaya, Laura Pearl. 2009. Dating in a sexually segregated society: Embodied practices of online romance in irbid, jordan. Anthropological Quarterly 82, no. 1: pp. 251-278.
[22] See diagram i in appendix 12.a
[23] See diagram ii in appendix 12.a
[24] See diagram iv in appendix 12.a
[25] See appendix 12.e
[26] See appendix 12.b
[27] See appendix 12.c and 12.e
[28] See appendix 12.a iv, 12.c, 12.d, and 12.e
[29] See appendix 12.d
[30] See appendix 12.a iv, 12.c, 12.d, and 12.e
[31] Many chatting applications are indigenous to certain internet cafés and thus cannot be listed
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This project will analyze how modernity and westernization influence gender and courtship perceptions in Amman, Jordan.
Secularism, modernity, and western culture have had an intense impact on the Islamic East. Sadly, this collision of cultures has been largely under documented. This can be verified by comparing scholarly documents from twenty years ago to the current culture of the Middle East; these documents often fail to explain contemporary culture, thus demonstrating the amount of undocumented changes which have occurred. However, by increasing our understanding of contemporary Islamic culture, we can better understand how Islam is reacting towards these new stimuli. This will give us an accurate picture of why Islam is the way it is today, and how the West should react to it.
According to Prof. Elizabeth Thompson, from the University of Indiana, courtship in the Islamic East is one such under developed area of study. “Given the media’s sensationalist fascination with Muslim women’s veils, one might have expected a vigorous scholarly critique of the simplistic dichotomies of gender relations…and courtship…such academic examinations have been sparse.” In addition, Anthropological Quarterly wrote, “Despite the rapid changes in the Islamic definitions of public and private spheres, (which is intimately tied to Islamic courtship and gender perceptions) few scholars have undertaken the study.” Dr. Robert Hindi wrote, “It is apparent that the relationships approach is crucial…in the understanding of a society.” This demonstrates that gender perceptions in the Middle East are an understudied, yet effective tool in understanding Islamic culture, and its impact with Modernism. By completing a qualitative ethnographic case study of Amman, Jordan, I will be able to significantly contribute to that understanding.
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Older Specifics
Project Aim
This project will examine the impact of modern European culture on how gender perceptions in general, and courtship in particular, is perceived among first, second, and third generation Muslim immigrants in Berlin.
Importance
Understanding Muslim courtship patterns in a secular western country will offer invaluable insight into understanding how Islam is reacting towards Western nationalism and secularism. This awareness will assist the west in understanding contemporary Islam, and how it should react to it.
Methods
This study will conduct an ethnographic qualitative case study, by interviewing various contacts. The nationalities interviewed will mirror the Muslim population of Berlin. Therefore, most interviewees will be of Turkish descent with a smaller number of interviewees coming from Arab and Southwest Asian descent. Efforts will be made to interview a wide array of religiosity, which reflects the demographics of the city. For example, contacts will be made at Madrasas, for a more conservative introspection; discos for a more liberal. In addition, the conversations will discuss Islam in an attempt to gauge the level of religiosity. Conversations will be both structured and unstructured. For interviewing conservative women, I will have an assistant, Eda Komur interview. Special care will be taken in such cases. All interviews will be conducted in the language most comfortable; with options of German, Arabic, Turkish, and Urdu. Much of the research will also be conducted on the internet.
Benefits
If we could study how these groups react to this new stimuli, it will give us a bigger picture of why Islam is the way it is today, and how the West should react to it.
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Even older specifics
Using diet as a tool for measuring cultural exchange and integration; a case study of diet and cultural assimilation betweem Palestinians, Armenians, and Southwest Asians in Jordan.
Kevin Clites
IAS 360
Oct 18, 2012
General Problem Area
Immigration has a profound impact on a society’s ability to provide effective education, welfare and stability for a state. These factors are compounded when immigrants are unable to integrate into their host culture. Thus, a plethora of governments, NGO’s and scholarly sources have sought to quantify levels of integration in an effort to aid this process.
Most studies analyze these factors using a complex and labor intensive set of key indicators which analyze factors such as residence, language, education, civic involvement and labor market positioning; although these indicators are an effective method of gauging immigration integration- they have also proven too complex and labor intensive to be practical.
This study will analyze if diet can be used as a coincident or lagging indicator of integration; if diet proves to be such an indicator, it will dramatically aid in the study of immigrant integration.
Research Question
Can diet be used to measure the extent of cultural integration among minorities in a host culture using macro statistical methods; a case study of Southwest Asians, Palestinians, and Armenians in Jordan.
Research Expectation
To determine if integration levels among immigrants in a host culture can be approximated using diet. Integration levels (as determined by residence, language, education, civic involvement and labor market positioning) will be the independent variable; diet is the dependent variable.
Theoretical Framework
Recent studies indicate that there may be a correlation between diet and integration.
According to Jeremy Weinstein, diet is “typically the sum of how a family identifies themselves…this identification includes education, social, and national status”. The casual logic of this theory applies to using diet as a key indicator of integration; if diet is determined mainly by residence, perceived social status, education, and national identity- and integration is primarily defined by residence, perceived social status, education, and national identity, the possibility follows that diet can be used to determine integration levels.
Definitions
Armenian
Culture
Diet
Effective
Home Country
Host Culture
Immigrant
Integration
Language
Palestinians
Religion
Significant Statistical Correlation
Southwest Asian
Very Strong Statistical Correlation
Weak Statistical Correlation
Data Collection
Method 1-I will perform a qualitative case study of Palestinians, Armenians, and Southwest Asians in Jordan. This study will analyze the integration of these groups utilizing the traditional method (i.e. residence, language, education, etc.). Each nationality will be analyzed as two groups: Palestinians will be analyzed in Zirqa and Amman, Armenians will be analyzed in Irbid and Amman, and Southwest Asians will be analyzed in Aqaba and Amman.
This information will be gathered via oral interview, and recorded on a questionnaire; the interview will not take longer than 15 minutes.
Method 2-I will perform a qualitative case study of Palestinians, Armenians, and Southwest Asians in Jordan. This study will analyze the integration of these groups utilizing the new method (i.e. diet). Each nationality will be analyzed as two groups: Palestinians will be analyzed in Zirqa and Amman, Armenians will be analyzed in Irbid and Amman, and Southwest Asians will be analyzed in Aqaba and Amman.
This information will be gathered via oral interview, and recorded on a questionnaire; the interview will not take longer than 5 minutes.
The persons interviewed for method one, will be the same as those interviewed for method two. For each city/nationality pair, 30 persons will be interviewed. These persons will be found via networking/snowballing.
Limitations and Case Selection
Armenians were chosen for this study because there culture is dichotomous to that of traditional Jordanians; thus creating a more distinct integration to study. Southwest Asians were chosen because there unique similarities and differences with traditional Jordanian culture. Palestinians were chosen because their similarities to traditional Jordanian culture. Palestinian immigrants provide the largest struggle to Jordan, yet their culture is perhaps the most similar; this mix will provide a unique obstacle for testing integration. Amman was chosen as study location because it has immigrants which are more integrated than other parts of Jordan. It also contains many of the before mentioned immigrants. Each of the other cities where chosen because their large number of the studied population, in areas which have likely not integrated. An oral interview will be given as to allow all groups (whether literate or illiterate) to participate.
Criteria for Verification
The study will either report that:
1) there was a very strong statistical correlation between integration and diet
2) there is a significant statistical correlation between integration and diet
or
3) there is weak/no statistical correlation between integration and diet
-If 1, then: It will be suggested that further research is conducted in another area confirming the relationship between diet and integration as a tool which can be used to solely evaluate integration levels
-If 2, then: It will be suggested that further research is conducted in another area confirming the relationship between diet and integration as a tool which can help establish integration levels
-If 3, then: It will be suggested that diet is not an effective method of establishing integration levels among the studied peoples in Trans-Jordan
1) there was a very strong statistical correlation between integration and diet
2) there is a significant statistical correlation between integration and diet
or
3) there is weak/no statistical correlation between integration and diet
-If 1, then: It will be suggested that further research is conducted in another area confirming the relationship between diet and integration as a tool which can be used to solely evaluate integration levels
-If 2, then: It will be suggested that further research is conducted in another area confirming the relationship between diet and integration as a tool which can help establish integration levels
-If 3, then: It will be suggested that diet is not an effective method of establishing integration levels among the studied peoples in Trans-Jordan
Tentative Timeline
Jan 1-Arrive in Amman
Jan 10-complete 5 surveys
Jan 11-complete 5 surveys
Jan 12-complete 5 surveys
Jan 13-complete 5 surveys
Jan 16-complete 5 surveys
Jan 17-complete 5 surveys
Jan 18-complete 5 surveys
Jan 19-complete 5 surveys
Jan 20-complete 5 surveys
Jan 21-complete 5 surveys
Jan 22-complete 5 surveys
Jan 23-complete 5 surveys
Jan 24-complete 5 surveys
Jan 25-complete 5 surveys
Jan 26-complete 5 surveys
Jan 27-complete 5 surveys
Jan 28-complete 5 surveys
Jan 29-complete 5 surveys
Feb 2 Move to Zirqa
Feb 5-complete 5 surveys
Feb 6-complete 5 surveys
Feb 7-complete 5 surveys
Feb 8-complete 5 surveys
Feb 9-complete 5 surveys
Feb 10-complete 5 surveys
Feb 12 Move to Aquba
Feb 15-complete 5 surveys
Feb 16-complete 5 surveys
Feb 17-complete 5 surveys
Feb 18-complete 5 surveys
Feb 19-complete 5 surveys
Feb 20-complete 5 surveys
Feb 24 Move to Irbid
Feb 5-complete 5 surveys
Feb 6-complete 5 surveys
Feb 7-complete 5 surveys
Feb 8-complete 5 surveys
Feb 9-complete 5 surveys
Feb 10-complete 5 surveys
Feb 13 Move to Amman
Feb 14 compile findings
Feb 15 compile findings
Feb 16 compile findings
Feb 17 interview Professors
Feb 19 interview Professors
Feb 21 interview Professors
Feb 23 interview Professors
March-Prepare paper
April-Submit for presentation or publication
Literature Review
This study heavily relies on the broadly accepted methods of integration. As such I will
be using these studies as a model (1) (2). Because they do not directly apply to the middle east, I
will use alterations based on (3) which incoorperates ideas on how to implement such a model in
an Islamic society.
Without the ability to distinguish diets, this study would not be possible. Thus I am
relying heavily on several articles which detail such diets (4) (5).To utilize the results I obtain, I
will be using (6) who outlines the appropriate statistical methods.
1)
2)
3)
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=how%20to%20measure%20integration%20immigrants&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCIQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gesis.org%2Ffileadmin%2Fupload%2Fdienstleistung%2Fveranstaltungen_fortbildungen%2Farchiv%2Fsoz_ind%2FVilla_Vigoni%2FBijl_integration.pdf&ei=6dmgTpDZNKvciAKZ0Jk2&usg=AFQjCNGafE-B3TSolWwn0q5rtjwh7HS4fA&cad=rja
4)
5)?
6)See review
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