A Decade of Debating Marriage and Society in Qatar: A Study of Local Television Talk Shows (2010–2020)

Qatar is a country undergoing rapid changes and development on numerous fronts. Taking the family as a unit of study, this thesis explores the effect of these changes on the institution of marriage. Problems facing marriage and family life have raised intense public debates in the Gulf in recent years. Concern over high divorce and celibacy rates, along with changing expectations of marriage and partner selection has shaped these discussions. By using Qatari Television Talk shows as a primary source, the thesis explores how issues facing marriage have been publicly debated from 2010 to 2020. The main problems confronting marriage, causes, and solutions are examined and contextualized with the use of secondary scholarship. The talk shows are divided into two main categories, the 'religious' and the 'social.' Furthermore, the main normative frameworks underlying the talk show discussions are examined. The thesis follows the stages of a marriage chronologically and explores the pre-marital stage, marriage, and divorce. Celibacy and delayed marriage are also explored. The study reveals that many marital issues are said to stem from a lack of preparation and social misconceptions. Religious and psychological expertise are seen as vital sources of knowledge to solve the many problems facing marriage. Moreover, changing gender roles, individualism, education, consumerism, and globalization are among the numerous factors seen as affecting marriage today. The talk show discussions show how the Qatari family is at the intersection of these different issues and, at times contending trajectories. The 'family crisis' is seen as a shared social problem, and calls are made on all segments of society to resolve it.