385.3 Roadmaps for social transformation: Arab spring

Thursday, August 2, 2012: 4:48 PM
Faculty of Economics, TBA
Oral Presentation
Jacqueline GIBBONS , Sociology, York University, Toronto, Canada
Roadmaps for Social Transformation:  Arab Spring

     This paper explores assumptions about the future of children in certain societal contexts.

     At these moments of Arab Spring, it is intriguing to explore whether attitudes towards children in Moslem societies are undergoing any changes?  The researcher examines the socio-cultural circumstances of orphanages in Egypt.  Questions are raised about varied forms of local family values and attitudes, and how these connect with views about children, in particular those without known family lineage (orphans).

     The research data show particular patterns over the last 6 years and significant alterations of certain values and attitudes as a result of revolution and change of regime, in Egypt.  The questions asked in this work, relate to new policies that have been emerging from Egypt's Ministry of Family Affairs.  We ask, how do these relate to attitudes about family that reflect contemporary and future policies and realities?

 societal      As sociologists, we need freshly, to  examine the democratization process, as we look to the social qualities of particular societal futures. It is useful and expedient, to examine and critically analyze certain aspects of the unrest that are alive in Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, Yemen and Libya during these moments.  Geography and temporality offer us valuable insights into society, as it re-fabricates the future.  Egypt, the most populace of these named nations of the Middle East, offers us a rich social laboratory.

 The researcher uses longitudinal and ethnographic material to document changes that address the varied role of children, as essence of an Egyptian future.

Jacqueline A. Gibbons:  Professor, Sociology, York University, Toronto, Canada