article

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

Journal of Mediterranean studies11 (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.
Subjects
Adjustment processes
Food service industries
Leisure time activities
Gender status
Family relationships
Political movements
culture
Palestinians
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