Similarities In Uzbek and Arab Families: Values, Customs, and Social-Psychological Aspects

Arzumetova Zarifa Sayfutdinovna

doi:10.47134/jpbi.v2i4.1936

Authors

Arzumetova Zarifa Sayfutdinovna Profi University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47134/jpbi.v2i4.1936

Keywords:

Family, Values, Customs, Social-Psychological Characteristics, Uzbek Family, Arab Family, Cross-Cultural Research

Abstract

In an era of intensifying globalization, the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional family values has become increasingly vital. The family, as a fundamental social institution, reflects distinct cultural identities through its structure, values, and interpersonal dynamics. The historical and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Arab nations provide a unique opportunity to investigate similarities in familial traditions. Prior works by scholars such as Al-Jahiz and Ibn Khaldun underscore long-standing parallels in social norms between these peoples. While existing studies highlight isolated features of either Uzbek or Arab family systems, comparative cross-cultural research systematically analyzing their shared structural and psychosocial traits remains limited. This study aims to explore the structural, value-based, and socio-psychological commonalities in Uzbek and Arab families, with a focus on respect for elders, collective decision-making, and the influence of traditional ceremonies. Findings reveal that both cultures predominantly follow extended family models characterized by patriarchal structures, multi-generational living, and high regard for familial unity. Core values such as reverence for parents, kinship, adherence to traditions, and collectivism were rated similarly high in both cultures. By applying cross-cultural psychology frameworks such as Schwartz’s value theory and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model this research offers a comprehensive comparative perspective on family systems across two culturally rich societies. The study contributes to broader discussions on cultural identity and intercultural communication, offering insights for fostering mutual understanding in multicultural contexts and guiding efforts to preserve traditional family values amid global cultural convergence.

References

A. H. Al-Mawardi, Al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah [The Ordinances of Government]. Beirut: Dar al-Fikr, 1058.

A. Ibn Khaldun, Al-Muqaddimah [The Introduction]. Beirut: Dar al-Fikr, 1377.

A. Karimov, O‘zbek oilasining ijtimoiy-psixologik xususiyatlari [Social-Psychological Characteristics of Uzbek Family]. Tashkent: O‘zbekiston nashrlari, 2008.

A. M. Abdel-Khalek, “Quality of life and mental health in Arab culture,” J. Happiness Stud., vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 435–454, 2005.

A. Navoi, Mahbub ul-qulub [Beloved of Hearts]. Herat manuscripts, 1498.

A. U. Al-Jahiz, Kitab al-Bukhala [The Book of Misers]. Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 863.

Alghafli, Z., Hatch, T. G., Rose, A. H., & Marks, L. D. (2019). Spirituality and family relationships in the Arab world: A qualitative study. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 50(2), 157–174. https://doi.org/10.3138/jcfs.50.2.157

Arnett, J. J. (2020). Cultural values and emerging adulthood: Perspectives from East and West. Emerging Adulthood, 8(2), 89–95. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696818808130

Ayoub, M., & Al-Krenawi, A. (2019). The influence of cultural factors on family therapy in Arab societies. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 30(1), 46–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/08975353.2019.1572429

Basit, T. N. (2021). Cultural continuity and adaptation in Muslim families: Parenting across generations. Ethnicities, 21(3), 520–537. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468796820904325

Bekmuradova, Z. (2020). Family traditions and social values in Uzbekistan: A sociological perspective. Central Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 6(1), 45–54.

C. Kagitcibasi, “Autonomy and relatedness in cultural context: Implications for self and family,” J. Cross-Cult. Psychol., vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 403–422, 2005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022105275959

Ciftci, A. (2019). Multigenerational family patterns in Turkish culture: Implications for mental health services. Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 13(1), 22–35. https://doi.org/10.3998/jmmh.10381607.0013.102 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3998/jmmh.10381607.0013.102

Darwish, A. Y., & Huber, G. L. (2020). Collectivism, interdependence, and social support in Arab families: A meta-analytic review. International Journal of Psychology, 55(2), 156–170. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12562 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12562

Fazilat, M., & Akbarova, S. (2022). Cultural codes in Uzbek family communication: Intergenerational respect and obedience. Journal of Language and Cultural Education, 10(1), 112–126. https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2022-0010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2022-0010

G. Hofstede and M. H. Bond, “The Confucius connection: From cultural roots to economic growth,” Organ. Dyn., vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 5–21, 1988. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(88)90009-5

G. Hofstede, Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 1980.

Guliyev, F. (2021). Patriarchy and kinship in Central Asia: Continuity and change in family structures. Central Asian Survey, 40(4), 487–505. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2021.1930933

H. Barakat, The Arab World: Society, Culture, and State. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520914421

H. C. Triandis, Individualism and Collectivism. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1995.

Hossain, M. Z., & Khalid, R. (2023). Marriage customs and gender roles in traditional Muslim communities: A cross-cultural study. Journal of Muslim Cultural Studies, 7(2), 101–120.

J. W. Berry and D. L. Sam, “Acculturation and adaptation,” in Handbook of Cross-Cultural Psychology, vol. 3, J. W. Berry, M. H. Segall, and C. Kagitcibasi, Eds. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 1997, pp. 291–326.

Karimova, N. (2020). Modern Uzbek family values and their transformation in the context of globalization. Uzbek Journal of Sociology, 3(2), 66–78. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra4259

Keshavarz, S., & Baharudin, R. (2019). Parenting style in a collectivist culture of Malaysia: A review. The Family Journal, 27(2), 203–210. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480719830585

L. Abu-Lughod, Veiled Sentiments: Honor and Poetry in a Bedouin Society. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1986.

Omar, F. A. (2022). The role of traditions in Arab family cohesion in the modern era. Arab Journal of Social Sciences, 11(4), 219–234.

R. F. Burton, The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Burton Club, 1885.

S. H. Schwartz, “Universals in the content and structure of values: Theoretical advances and empirical tests in 20 countries,” Adv. Exp. Soc. Psychol., vol. 25, pp. 1–65, 1992. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(08)60281-6

Sabirov, K., & Yunusova, L. (2023). Intergenerational interaction and moral upbringing in Uzbek families. Journal of Central Asian Social Research, 9(1), 88–101.

T. Parsons, “Family structure and the socialization of the child,” in Family, Socialization and Interaction Process, T. Parsons and R. F. Bales, Eds. New York: Free Press, 1955, pp. 35–131.

U. Bronfenbrenner, The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1979. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674028845

Yassine, L., & Khoury, D. (2021). Marriage and family in Arab culture: Between tradition and modernity. Middle Eastern Studies Review, 17(3), 150–167.