The Patriarchy and Tribe in Wajdi Al-Ahdal's Novel A Land without Jasmine

Abstract

This research aims to explore the intricate relationship between patriarchy and the tribe in Wajdi Al-Ahdal's Novel A Land without Jasmine, arguing that the tribe functions as the primary executive arm of patriarchy. This research begins by establishing the theoretical frameworks of patriarchy and tribe, highlighting their symbiotic reinforcement, particularly within the Yemeni society. The analysis is structured into two main parts. First, it examines patriarchal system within the family, focusing on the psychological surveillance imposed by Jasmine’s brother, father, and even her mother, demonstrating how the system is internalized and perpetuated by both men and women. Second, it analyzes the tribe's role as the ultimate enforcer of the patriarchal honor code, superseding state law. Key narrative events, such as Jasmine's disappearance and the brutal murder of Ali, are investigated as case studies. The findings confirm that the tribe provides the coercive power necessary to maintain a patriarchal social order, enforcing its ideology through violence and intimidation. The research concludes that the novel serves as a powerful critique of the mechanisms of control that sustain gender inequality, recommending future research into forms of resistance against this deeply entrenched system.