Egypt

1. Egypt Social Institution Research Project

2. Egypt: An Overview

3. Values Norms( which reinforce the value) • Marriage and Family • Marriage is important • 98% of the population between 25-65 has been/is married • Islamic is the primary religion • 95% of the population practice the Islamic religion • anything that goes against Islamic law is prohibited • Religion/Spiritualism • People attend church regularly • believe in folklores and pass down religious stories through the generations • Wealth and Safety • The government controls wealth from industries • It keeps businesses and wealth of their country safe • Patriotism and Nationalism • There is conscription and everyone serves in the military for a minimum of 2 years Common Norms & Values

4. Family Life • The estimated population in 2005 was 74.03 million people • Family is considered to be the most important social institution • Family is considered the primary social marker • 98% of the population between the ages of 25 and 65 have been or are married • Marriages previously were arranged however today, people can choose who to marry • It is acceptable to marry within your extended family • Class and social standing is based on family, wealth, education, and experiences overseas • The oldest son is considered to have the most power and control within a family

5. Family Life – Relating to Values/Norms In Egypt Value: Marriage and family holds a high value among Egyptians. Norm: Loyalty to one’s family is viewed as the most important aspect of Egyptian life and marriage is considered mandatory. In Canada Value: family is important and marriage is viewed as a sacred right of passage. Norm: families are usually smaller in size. Marriage is viewed as important however, not necessary to lead a successful, enjoyable life.

6. Egyptian marriage . An Islamic wedding procession in Egypt leads the bride to the home of the groom. The bride, hidden from view in a tentlike covering, is riding the camel. Elaborate processions like this one are chiefly a rural tradition of the Islamic wedding ceremony http://www.zawaj.com/weddingways/images/egypt/wedding_procession.jpg

7. The future of marriage in Egypt? http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/02/marriage_cartoon_2.jpg

8. Family Life – Relating to Values/Norms Relating Norms Between Egypt-Canada • Norms of the family social institution in Egypt would not work in Canadian society • Egypt’s views of inbreeding, to keep the wealth within the family circle, are contradictory to Canadian views • Canadians see inbreeding as folkway (socially unacceptable)

9. Religion – An Overview • Religion is highly valued • 95% Muslim, 5% Coptic (Christian,other religions) • Any religion that goes against Islamic law is prohibited • Some religious practices: • Muslim religious holidays • Ramadan: month of fasting (no eating and drinking during daylight hours) • Eid al-Fitr: large feast and celebration at the end of Ramadan • boys get circumcised at birth • 7th day after the birth of a child is celebrated • when a person dies, the burial is done as soon as possibly; preferably on the day of death • tell religious stories called Folklores • Folklores are passed down through the generations • Men wear traditional shirt-like garments and pants • Women wear traditional long gowns and head scarves

10. Religion – Relating to Values/Norms In Egypt • Value #1: religion is highly valued and important for Egyptians • Norm #1: express their value of religion by attending church on a regular basis and practicing religion in various ways (previous slide) • Value #2: Muslim religion is particularly valued • Norm #2: the religious norm in Egypt is to be Muslim (95% of citizens). Any religion that goes against Islamic/Muslim law is prohibited In Canada • Value: multiculturalism is highly valued and all cultures are accepted • Norm: there is no true norm for religion and all cultures/races are taught to be accepted

11. Religion – Relating to Values/Norms Relating Norms between Egypt – Canada • Values and norms presented in the social institutions in Egypt would not be accepted in Canada • Some people in Canada are not religious, unlike Egypt where everyone practices religion • The norm of Muslim religion would not relate to Canada where people are all multicultural • People in Canada have been taught to accept and be multicultural and different • If they tried to make everyone religious, everyone Muslim, people would protest and it would never be accepted

12. Economy • Economy is controlled by the government • Plays an important role as a social institution • Egyptians economy was mostly agriculture and industry is centrally controlled by the government. • It is the second largest economy in the Arab world. • The service sector is by far the largest growing economic sector and account of 51 percent • Tourism , trade, banking and shipping services on the Suzz canal Constitute are the main sources • Economic sectors reflect its size. • Government has moved to aggressive promotion of domestic tourism to compensate for the loss of foreign tourism • The land is very expensive and difficult for people to use agriculture as a profitable source of income. • In 1950 the gov’t has developed petroleum services.

13. Economy- Relating to Values/Norms • Egyptian economics would not function in Canada • Economy in Egypt is based on services • Canada’s economy is all about exporting goods in other countries such as the US • We have natural resources such as wood and wheat and in Egypt they don’t have this type of system. • Egyptians displayed the norm of wealth and safety • It controls economy by government that ensures the gross domestic. • It produces enough to sustain the population.

14. Military- An Overview • 350,000 people in the military, known as the Central Security Forces • The strongest in Africa (ranked 11th in the world) • Military includes: Egyptian Army, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense Command • Conscription is used to maintain the military • Able bodied men and women must serve a minimum of 2 years in the military • Egypt plays in important role in foreign affairs and international peacekeeping • The democratic government, more specifically the Ministry of Interior controls the military • Patriotism and peace are highly valued by Egyptians

15. Military- Relating to Values/Norms • The Egyptian government controls the military • Conscription is put before education in Egyptian society • The enforced conscription ensures the safety of the country and its people • Patriotism and nationalism are important norms of the Egyptian society • The strong military reflects the importance of safety • Egyptians are very proud of their land and its preservation

16. Military- Relating to Values/Norms In Egypt ● Serving in the Egyptian military is considered a great honour and accomplishment ● Serving in the army can raise a family’s social status ● Conscription is put before education In Canada ● The Canadian Army is based on voluntary recruitment ● Education is put before conscription ● Serving in the army is considered brave, but it is also dangerous ● Conscription would not work in Canada because education is a higher priority in Canadian societies