Jordanian Society PDF
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University of Jordan
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This document provides a general overview of Jordanian society. It details various aspects such as definition, characteristics, and categories of society. The text discusses the impact of culture, history, and traditions on the community. Additionally, it touches on the role of families and common values.
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Definition of Community a unified body of individuals: such as a: the people with common interests living in a particular area broadly. b: a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society community. Jordanian society The Jordan...
Definition of Community a unified body of individuals: such as a: the people with common interests living in a particular area broadly. b: a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society community. Jordanian society The Jordanian society belongs within the Arab and Islamic culture in its religion, history, civil and political existence. The majority of its members embrace the Islamic religion (Sunni), It also includes Christian minorities, the majority of whom belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church, small denominations of Roman Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, and Assyrian, Chaldean Catholics, Armenian Orthodox, and a small number of Protestant denominations. the Jordanian society is characterized by many characteristics, including: The strength and cohesion of family relations in Jordanian society which is due to the nature of the value system and social relations, and upon family and clan ties. the age of marriage; The average age of marriage has increased to 30 years for males. and 22 years for females, and this is due to: The nature of economic and social life in Jordanian society (the high costs and expenses of marriage) The duration of the public and university education stages in Jordan. The phenomenon of marriage of relatives was common in Jordanian society until recently, it has declined. Since the early fifties, Jordanian women have made a number of gains that have contributed to raising their status in society, This is due to the expansion of educational and employment opportunities before it, and the Jordanian laws and legislations that were issued successively, which strengthen and enhance the status of women in society. The Jordanian population pyramid is characterized by its wide base due to the high percentage of children in Jordanian society Jordanian society is generally characterized by cohesion, interdependence and compassion, despite social, religious, ethnic, cultural and linguistic pluralism, due to intermarriage between its groups, religious tolerance and the political orientation of the Jordanian state, which is keen to achieve national unity and venerate it for all members of society. Jordanian society is distinguished (in varying proportions in its different environments) by the presence of many social qualities, including: hospitality of the guest, generosity, relief of the distressed, and others. Family Jordan’s society is centered on the patriarchal extended family, which includes not only the parents and siblings, but also more distant relatives by kinship and marriage and members of the same tribe. Although this focus has become less prominent in recent years, especially in larger cities, for financial and social reasons, many Jordanians are still strongly family-oriented. People rely on relatives, even distant ones, financially and socially, for social connections, protection, and emotional support. Most Jordanians still respect and follow traditional social customs in their daily lives, as in marriage, death, and the care of elderly parents. Men and women remain in their family homes until they marry, not only for financial reasons but also for traditional and religious reasons. Only students who study in universities far from their families’ homes live on their own, usually in dormitories. characteristics of Jordanian society include: 1. Cultural diversity: Jordanian society is characterized by its rich cultural diversity, influenced by its ancient history and the impact of various cultures. 2. Respect for traditions and values: Respect for traditions and values is considered an essential part of Jordanian culture. 3. Hospitality: Hospitality is an important aspect of Jordanian culture, where welcoming guests and showing care for them is highly valued. 4. Collaboration and solidarity: Jordanian society is characterized by a spirit of collaboration and solidarity among its members, encouraging them to help each other. 5. Religion and tolerance: Religion plays a significant role in the lives of Jordanians, with a culture of tolerance existing among different religious communities. Categories of Jordanian society Jordanian society consists of several basic groups that make up the structure of society, namely: A- The Bedouin Society: Bedouin is a distinctive feature of the Jordanian society, where Bedouin values still have a fundamental impact on the course of public life in our society in a clear way, but at the present time we cannot determine Bedouin characteristics in Jordanian society are accurate, the clans are no longer clinging to the known Bedouin, and we do not say It abandoned the basic values, but it mixed between the modern civil and the authentic Bedouin, and it still preserves With many inherited and authentic values such as: generosity and hospitality, chivalry, patience and others. B- Rural Society: Rural life appears in Jordanian society among those who live in the countryside, and this countryside is distributed on Jordanian villages in various governorates of the Kingdom. Where the life of a rural community is based on acquaintance and neighborliness, And kinship so that social relations appear in a framework of affection and in the framework of great collective friendliness. and here no Jordanian society can be completely separated, so that we define separations between rural, Bedouin, and urban, and in proportions. This is difficult to achieve on the ground, because the rural may live and work in the city and his family in the villages. There are many Jordanian clans and families that have practiced agriculture, even the Circassian and Chechen tribes who They came to Jordan and practiced agriculture in the early days and had their contributions in this field C- Urban (civil) society: The features of urbanization are among the essential features of social change at the time. The current rate of residence is increasing, and cities are taking up residence for all those who find work in the big cities, As well as those who migrate from the countryside to the city. Civil society is the least in social cohesion and prevails. It includes individuality and achievements at the individual level, and achieving individual happiness at the expense of all other social structures. The city plays a prominent role in the economic, political, cultural and social systems as well as places. Recreational and providing basic services that the citizen needs, and the city provides more job opportunities, from those that are available in other societies to move to the city and live in it, and it has the character of the city. The commercial and industrial character and the availability of good infrastructure for the practice of cultural and social activities. Human Rights The Jordanian Constitution Articles (5-32) of the second chapter of the Jordanian constitution and amendments stipulate the rights and duties of the Jordanians, thus presenting constitutional guarantees to establish the principles of the civil, political, economic, social and cultural human rights, and safeguard them and protect them by virtue of a legislative system that takes into account the contents of the constitution and ensures the actual application thereof. Civil and Political Rights Protect the Right to Life and Physical Integrity To Enhance and Cement the Institutional Autonomy of the Judicial Authority To Enhance the Autonomy of the Judge and Upgrade the Judicial Work The Right to Nationality, Residency, Asylum and Freedom of Movement To Enhance and Protect the Right to Nomination and Election To Enhance the Right to the Freedom of Opinion and Expression To Enhance and Protect the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Formation of Political Parties, Associations and Unions and Adherence thereto. To Enhance and Protect the Right to Work To Enhance and Protect the Right to Health To Enhance and Protect the Right to Education. To Enhance and Protect the Cultural Rights of the Categories of Society such as (minorities) To Promote the Right to a Healthy Environment and the Right to Development To Enhance and Protect the Rights of Disabled People To Enhance and Protect Women Rights Enhancing and Protecting Children Rights To Enhance and Protect the Rights of the Elderly and Guaranty their Enjoyment thereof In Jordanian society, the constitution and laws guarantee the rights and freedoms of individuals, including the following: 1. Freedom of expression and assembly. 2. Right to self-defense and human rights. 3. Women's rights and children's rights. 4. Right to education and health. 5. Freedom of religion and belief. 6. Labor rights and employment. 7. Rights of religious and ethnic minorities. Jordanian Society through history; 1. State establishment: The Emirate of Transjordan was established in 1921 and evolved into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946. 2. Political transformations: Jordanian society witnessed several political and social transformations since its independence, including political and constitutional reforms. 3. Economic development: Jordanian society witnessed significant economic development over the years, including diversification of economic sectors and enhancement of investments. 4. Education and culture: Jordanian society witnessed development in the fields of education and culture, with the expansion of education and enhancement of cultural awareness. 5. Technological advancement: Jordanian society witnessed development in the field of technology, with the adoption of modern technology and the development of the infrastructure for information and communication technology. 6. Social challenges and changes: Jordanian society faced social challenges such as employment, migration, and changes in social values. 7. Peace and stability: Despite challenges, Jordanian society maintained its stability and peace, playing an important role in promoting peace in the region. Population growth elements in Jordan include: 1. Fertility rate: Reflects the number of children a woman bears during her reproductive years, which is a significant factor in determining population growth rate. 2. Mortality rate: Indicates the number of deaths in the community during a specific period, affecting the size and distribution of the population. 3. Migration: Includes internal and external migration, affecting the geographic distribution of the population and growth rates. 4. Natural growth rate: Influenced by fertility and mortality rates, it is the difference between birth and death rates. 5. Demographic changes: Include changes in the population structure, such as an increase in the proportion of youth or elderly individuals. The social challenges facing Jordanian society include: 1. Unemployment and lack of job opportunities. 2. Poverty and economic inequality. 3. Environmental challenges and scarcity of water resources. 4. Increasing migration and refugees. 5. High rates of divorce and family breakdown. 6. Crime and violence in some areas. 7. Low cultural and educational awareness in some demographics. 8. Social pressures associated with traditions and cultural values. Social challenges facing the Jordanian society 1- Poverty is a social phenomenon with multiple and interrelated dimensions that has significant political and social impacts. 2- Unemployment: Unemployment is defined as the lack of job opportunities for those who are able or of working age. 3- Population growth. 4- Violence is the practice of force in an attack on another person without their will. 5- The phenomenon of using drugs is rapidly growing. There are several ways to address the issues of poverty and unemployment in Jordanian society, including: 1. Enhancing investments in various economic sectors to create new job opportunities. 2. Developing education and vocational training to equip youth and job seekers with skills. 3. Implementing support programs for vulnerable groups such as youth unemployment and needy families. 4. Promoting small and medium-sized industries and supporting entrepreneurs. 5. Improving infrastructure and providing basic services to impoverished communities. 6. Encouraging investments in tourism and agriculture to create new job opportunities in rural areas. 7. Providing government support for social and economic projects targeting the most vulnerable groups. In Jordan, pluralism and national integration are considered essential parts of the national and cultural identity, where different religious sects and ethnic communities coexist peacefully and tolerantly. This pluralism enhances understanding among members of Jordanian society and promotes a sense of belonging to the nation and national solidarity. The government is encouraged to support this pluralism by promoting national dialogue and encouraging peaceful coexistence among all components of society. Jordanian Women Jordanian women have managed to make themselves a place and a space in their society, and confirm that they are unable to change and to assume the most important leadership positions. Recently, Jordanian women have managed to break into many fields that were the preserve of men, and have achieved successive successes, leaving a great impact, with persistence, determination and continuous effort, although the ambition is greater. Jordanian women enjoy a distinguished position and a good space for participation in many fields, due to their presence in a country like Jordan that values women and gives them a distinguished position. Jordanian women have managed, in the recent period, to assume many positions and reach high positions in education, and they have made a real imprint for themselves at all levels, but their participation at the global level is still weak. The stereotypical image of women that still exists, and prevents the expansion of her participation to include all governorates of the Kingdom, in addition to the continuation of the authoritarian role of men, and giving them priority in taking charge. Jordanian women are a key partner in the renaissance of Jordan. They started working since the twenties, albeit in small numbers in the fields of education and health, then expanded to include all fields, assuming important positions in parliaments, dignitaries and municipalities, and carrying out their duties to the fullest in all sectors. The observer of women’s work notes their seriousness, excellence in their performance and devotion to their country, which was clearly reflected on the Arab and international levels. But what some women lack is more self-confidence, engaging in work at all levels, and taking the initiative to adopt effective ideas and successful projects, so that they can convince the community. The Jordanian woman is an active partner in development and enjoys all the rights stipulated in the Jordanian constitution and international conventions. The issue of women's empowerment received a large and clear space in the priorities and meetings of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, who is considered an example of Jordanian women who have achieved real achievements at all levels. It emphasizes the great role of the royal vision in enhancing the political, economic and social role of women, which was evident through her holding the position of minister in several ministries and ambassador in several countries. Education: Jordanian women have managed, in the recent period, to assume many positions and reach high positions in education, and they have made a real imprint for themselves at all levels, but their participation at the global level is still weak. The situation in Jordan presents, in this respect, a more encouraging picture; available data suggests that more than 60% of students in the natural sciences, medicine, dentistry and pharmacy are female; the figure for engineering lies around 28 per cent and that for computer science around 45 per cent. There is a large socio-economic gap that exists in Jordan. In 2009, only 16 percent of girls from underprivileged households excelled above level 2 math, compared to 57 percent of girls from wealthier households. Costly private schools that usually offer better education are reserved for the upper class of society. Jordan has one of the highest literacy rates for girls in the Middle East, which is a staggering 97.3 percent. However, this educational advancement does not transfer over to the job force. Jordan has one of the world’s lowest rates of women participating in the workforce at 13.2 percent. If a gender gap in Jordan’s workforce continues to exist, the country will experience a reduction in potential GDP growth of 0.5 to 0.9 percent per year. Business: Jordan’s entrepreneurship ecosystem has been evolving over the past decade resulting in the growing participation of women entrepreneurs. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report, Jordan’s female-to-male ratio for Total Entrepreneurship Activity has increased during the period between 2016-2019, an improvement of around 127 percent in only 3 years. Jordan has also developed gender-friendly policies for women to equally access credit, sign contracts, register a business, and open a bank account, in the same way as men. This evolution has been reflected in Jordan’s outstanding score of 100 out of 100 in the entrepreneurship indicator as measured by the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law (WBL) report Police: Jordan was the first Arab country to allow women to join the service in public security at the end of 1971. In 1972, the Women Police School was established and followed with the Public Security Directorate with six recruits. Later, Jordanian women contributed to preserving lives, property and rights in countries around the world under the umbrella of UN peacekeeping forces. The Jordanian woman presented a bright and effective professional through her work in the Public Security Directorate, and she performed her duties with courage and professionalism alongside with her colleagues. Military: When analyzing Jordanian women who have previously joined the army, we must first head all the way back to the early 1950, the year which Jordanian women started to serve in the army. Although the number of women who served in the army was quite low up until 1962, however this changed when Princess Muna college of nursing was established. In 1965, the first group of women finally graduated from this college and have managed to achieve the status of lieutenant in the Royal Medical Corps which at that time served as a significant event. This event was a catalyst which served as an important factor which led to the increase of number of women enlisting in the army Ever since 1990, women began occupying position that were previously dominated by males such as military intelligence and police as well as taking on the imperative responsibility of a Royal Guard Protection Unit. When analyzing the female youth section in Jordan, we can conclude that the younger generation of women are increasingly interested in joining the JAF, Jordan Armed Forces, as it grants opportunities for new careers. Women who serve in the army are entitled to many opportunities as servicewomen which include: Military Intelligence Military Policewoman and Guards at the royal Protection Unit Women participate in the Executive Authority through the position of minister in the Council of Ministers. Parliament and government: Jordan's approach towards empowering Jordanian women to exercise their rights and perform their duties is consistent with the principles of the Jordanian constitution, which in Article 6 of it recognized full equality for all citizens in rights, duties and equal opportunities, distinguishing positively in favour of women by stipulating the need to specify the conditions for the work of women and juveniles and that the state should To guarantee work, education, tranquility and equal opportunities for all Jordanians. The National Charter stipulates that Jordanians, men and women, are equal before the law, without discrimination between them in terms of rights and duties. The National Strategy for Jordanian Women (2006-2010) included a special axis for legislation, and work was done to amend legislation with international agreements and in the field of eliminating gender-based violence. A follow-up team was formed from the Parliament and the Jordanian National Committee for Women's Affairs, with the aim of cooperating in studying discriminatory legislation against women and the role of the Council in implementing the Convention. This is in addition to the fact that many of the laws and regulations in force include texts that explicitly emphasize equality and non-discrimination on the basis of gender, such as the Parliament Elections Law, the Labor Law of 2008 AD, the National Center for Human Rights Law of 2006 AD, the Law on Guaranteeing the Right to Access to Information of 2007 AD, and the Civil service for the year 2007. Political role For the first time since the establishment of the Emirate of Trans Jordan in 1921, the number of women in the 16th Jordanian legislative assembly, which was elected in December 2010, reached 13 out of a total of 120 members, one by direct election and the rest by virtue of the Women’s Quota Law enacted in 2010. King and Queen, have a vision that women’s political participation is considered a clear indicator of progress for the Jordanian state and its international image, a point that receives special attention in Jordan, particularly in the context of globalization and the communication revolution that has transformed the world into a “village” with human rights, including women’s rights, being among its main features. For the first time, a woman was elected. She was Ms. Toujan Faisal, who won one of the three seats allocated for the Circassian minority. Women participate in the Executive Authority through the position of minister in the Council of Ministers.