article

A city of 'strangers': the socio-cultural construction of manhood in Jaffa

Journal of Mediterranean studies • 11 (1) • Published In 2001 • Pages: 159-188

By: Monterescu, Daniel.

Abstract

In this paper, Monterescu examines the identity of Arab men living in post-1948 Jaffa. The author looks at the collapse of the traditional patriarchal order beginning in 1948 when 95% of the Arab population was lost to the city, leaving behind a impoverished and isolated minority community with its associated ills of drugs and crime. According to the author, the Arab men of Jaffa live in a liminoid realm, 'between and betwixt' the Arab world and the West, estranged politically, culturally, and economically from the dominant Jewish life. According to Monterescu, the cafe becomes the space in which men can be men, living out this liminal existence and smoking NARGILEH, a symbol of their masculinity.

HRAF PubDate

2005

Region

Middle East

Sub Region

Middle East

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2004

Field Date

1996-1997

Coverage Date

1948-1997

Coverage Place

Jaffa, Israel

Notes

Daniel Monterescu

Includes bibliographical references (p. 186-188)

LCCN

93641917

LCSH

Palestinian Arabs