Implications for Education and Child-Rearing

Abstract

The women's movement of the last two decades achieved considerable progress for women everywhere. However, this progress was neither even across cultures nor free of obstacles. Different cultures created different difficulties for women on their road to even access and equality. For the Middle Eastern woman, the road to equality has exerted similar pressure. Women everywhere had to continue the struggle between career and child-rearing; carefully making the choice between aggressive behaviour and submission and femininity and assertiveness. Since the behaviour of children is often influenced by cultural traditions and authority roles played at the home, understanding the role of the Middle Eastern woman is crucial to educating those children. This is more so with those children who migrate with their families to Western countries. Psychologists and educators can benefit from an understanding of the cultural traits of those children while attempting to educate them and assist them to adjust to their new environment.