National Identity Formation in Modern Qatar: New Perspective

Abstract

This thesis seeks to examine the causes behind the rise of a single heritage narrative in the State of Qatar and how this constituted a particular national identity despite the cultural and social diversity that characterized Qatari society in the past. Furthermore, this study aims to understand the impact of oil on Qatari identity and the ensuing state-sponsored modernization process on Qatari society, identity and politics. In particular, this study will focus on the social diversity and integration that existed in Qatar before the emergence of the state system, and how this diversity was subsumed by a dominant single identity after oil discovery and the creation of the state. This thesis will also focus on the social and cultural aspects of Qatari national identity. Conventional discourse on modern Qatari society tends to focus on oil, national security and GCC politics, with only a few examining the cultural changes of Qatari national identity. Therefore, this thesis is an important part of discussions in Sociology and Anthropology, as it emphasizes the cultural and social dimensions of Qatari national identity development and realization. The study of socio-historical chronicles was significant for this thesis in order to understand the development of identity formation of such a rapidly developing country from a cultural aspect. Socio-historical chronicles are also integral to exploring how current Qatari cultural contributes to national identity formation today.