Exploring the Challenges of Divorce on Saudi Women

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the core issues and challenges that divorced Saudi women are facing in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative survey was administered to explore current issues faced by divorced Saudi women living in Saudi Arabia. Findings revealed a multitude of issues currently faced by divorced Saudi women linked to social, economic, psychological, and legal challenges. The discussion of core themes derived from the analysis provides an in-depth picture of challenges faced by divorced Saudi women. This research builds on the growing body of knowledge concerning the challenges of divorced Saudi women in contemporary society.

Strengthening Marriages in Egypt: Impact of Divorce on Women

“…In some Arab countries, divorce has been cited as "the worst trauma" a woman can endure [4]. Arab women describe the social stigma of being divorced as feeling criminalized, isolated from society, being blamed, being made to feel sinful, and having unequal rights [14]. In addition, divorced women are often seen as bad parents and bad spouses more so than men [8].…”

“…In addition, divorced women are often seen as bad parents and bad spouses more so than men [8]. This leads many women to feel a great deal of regret [14]. Divorced women also tend to feel more emotionally empty, suffer from self-esteem issues, and may grow to be more depressed [14].…”

“…This leads many women to feel a great deal of regret [14]. Divorced women also tend to feel more emotionally empty, suffer from self-esteem issues, and may grow to be more depressed [14]. The study by Cohen and Savaya [8] showed that the more an individual feels stigmatized by society, the more difficult it is for them to adjust to post-divorce life.…”

“…These social ramifications often leave women enduring dysfunctional and abusive marriages in order to avoid this social discrimination and humiliation [8,16]. In a study that explores the challenges of divorce among Saudi women, women describe feeling excluded and not belonging to society, being blamed for the failure of their marriage, being seen as sinful and criminal-like, and dealing with inequity in a male-dominated society [14]. Due to the social stigma women face, some prefer to avoid revealing their marital status [14].…”

“…In a study that explores the challenges of divorce among Saudi women, women describe feeling excluded and not belonging to society, being blamed for the failure of their marriage, being seen as sinful and criminal-like, and dealing with inequity in a male-dominated society [14]. Due to the social stigma women face, some prefer to avoid revealing their marital status [14]. Divorce has been described as being "traumatic" for women due to financial challenges and decreased social status [16].…”