Post-Divorce Experiences in Jordan: A Phenomenological Perspective

Abstract

This study analyzes the post-divorce experiences of a sample of 50 Jordanian divorced participants. Qualitative and exploratory results are similar to the results of other studies that were conducted in certain western cultures. Similar issues included modern reasons for exiting a marriage, men's experiences of losing children and women's poor financial circumstances. Despite changes in the structure and function of the Jordanian family, post-divorce experiences continue to be influenced by the major factors of a traditional gender culture regarding the traditional reasons to exit marriage, with women retaining custody of children when they do not remarry and failure to establish cooperative custody. In addition, the results of this study reveal that progressive changes in women's choices to exit their marriages to better themselves. The study also sheds light on the perception of violence against married women as a reason for exiting marriage and family support to minimize the negative effects of divorce on women with a concurrent realization of the stigmatization of society toward divorced women. Nevertheless, additional research on this topic is needed to significantly add to our understanding of these phenomena.

Gendered Interaction and Practices of Intimacy Among Emirati Young Spouses: Exploring the Experiences of Wives

“….’. Hence, this result is consistent with the fact that Emirati spouses have an emotional divorce (showing no concern for their spouse’s feelings) that reflects the low quality of the practices of intimacy (Al Hourani and Al Garbawi, 2020).…”

“…Research on marital satisfaction in the UAE has shown that Emirati men were more satisfied with their marriages than women because of gender discrimination; they are heads of their families and have more independence and social support, and their experience is less distressing (Al-Darmaki et al, 2016; Al-Othman, 2012). In addition, research has shown that young Emirati women experiencing violence, a dearth of emotional bonds and effective communication in spousal relationships, and the control that their husbands exerted over them, contributed to marital dissatisfaction (Al Hourani and Al Garbawi, 2020; Bromfield, 2014).…”

“…Thus, Islamic beliefs legitimize polygamy. Research in the UAE has shown that polygamy contributes to a lack of intimacy, emotional mutuality, and marital dissatisfaction for wives (Al Hourani and Al Garbawi, 2020; Al Shamisi and Fulcher, 2005).…”