Privacy and gendered spaces in Arab Gulf homes

Abstract

We report the findings of a qualitative study of Qatari homes in the Arab Gulf. We identify the significance of privacy and gender segregation as anchors for identity, both national and religious. Maintaining these anchors seems to help Qataris resolve cultural tensions and conflicts to which they feel subjected. We show that the emphasis on these identity projects counters pressures toward a reverse acculturation in which hosts are numerically overwhelmed by guests. © Berg 2011 Printed in the UK.