Practicing Dichotomy Middle Eastern and North African International Student Adherence to Dichotomous Gender Roles in the United States

Abstract

Abstract Personal identity is a self-concept that pulls an individual to certain groups. For the better part of history, gender identity has been divided into the binary of female and male identities. Corresponding to the female and male gender identities are female and male gender roles. Though personal identities are self-created, gendered identities and gender roles have, up to recent times, been dictated by scientific categorization and cultural social norms, respectively. Central to gender identities and subsequent gender roles is the wish to belong, to adhere to cultural values, and to follow religious beliefs which dictate the roles of males and females. This study directed attention to dichotomous gender role expectations in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) nations. It spotlighted international students from MENA nations currently studying at U.S. institutions of higher education. Through focus groups and surveys, this study analyzed 1) if gender roles exist in MENA nations, 2) their constructs, and 3) how gender roles are maintained in U.S. communities and on campus by MENA international students. This study has significance for both females and male’s, both local and international, in our local, national, and global communities.