My year in the United States was an eye-opening experience, a whirlwind of cultural contrasts that left me with a newfound appreciation for both my own Saudi heritage and the complexities of Western society. While I admire the individual freedoms and opportunities available in America, I couldn’t help but notice a significant disconnect regarding family structures and the institution of marriage. Coming from a society where family and faith are deeply intertwined, I observed trends that, quite frankly, surprised and sometimes concerned me.
The decline in marriage rates, coupled with the normalization of premarital sex, is striking. Back home in Riyadh, the family unit remains the cornerstone of society. Marriage, viewed as a sacred covenant and the foundation for raising a generation grounded in religious and cultural values, carries immense significance. The emphasis on building a strong, stable family unit, where responsibilities are shared, and children are raised within a clear moral compass, is paramount.
In contrast, the American landscape presents a seemingly different picture. While love and commitment undoubtedly exist, the ease with which relationships form and dissolve often feels disconnected from the concept of long-term partnership and shared responsibilities. The normalization of premarital sex, while viewed as a personal choice, appears to have, at least in part, weakened the institution of marriage. The emphasis on self-discovery and individual aspirations, while positive in many respects, sometimes appears to overshadow the importance of building strong family bonds.
This isn’t a judgment, but an observation from a man steeped in a very different cultural context. Having spent a year immersed in American culture, I’ve returned to Saudi Arabia with a deeper understanding of both perspectives. While embracing progress, it’s worth considering how the seemingly effortless ease of casual relationships might inadvertently impact the long-term health and stability of Western families and society. The very foundations upon which a successful society is built might be undergoing a subtle but significant shift.
