1- Department of Persian Language and Literature, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran , zabihnia@pnu.ac.ir
Abstract: (229 Views)
The present study examines the novel Girls of Riyadh (2005) by Saudi author Rajaa Abdullah Sanea (b. 1981) through the lens of Erving Goffman's (1922–1982) theory of stigma. In Goffman's theory, interpersonal relationships in everyday life hold particular significance. Girls of Riyadh addresses contemporary women's issues in Saudi Arabia, focusing on marital relationships as seen through the lives of four women: Gamrah, Sadeem, Michelle, and Lamees. The author narrates the tragedy of lives buried under tradition, portraying girls as captives traded in the marketplace of superstition—imprisoned in the traditional harem of the East until death. Alsanea's central focus is on the negative impact of cultural customs and traditions in Saudi society and her critique of gender inequality and unequal relationships between men and women.
The research method is descriptive-analytical. Based on the findings, the most prominent forms of stigma and labeling in Girls of Riyadh include nonconformity, social disgust, resistance to dominant currents, rejection, and doubt regarding the characters’ belief systems—many of which are rooted in traditional and cultural norms. The presence of stigma in the lives of the novel’s main characters can lead to serious consequences such as secrecy, dishonesty, various psychological disorders, and ultimately, social anxiety. Moreover, ethnic and tribal stigma appears to be the most painful and oppressive aspect for the
The research method is descriptive-analytical. Based on the findings, the most prominent forms of stigma and labeling in Girls of Riyadh include nonconformity, social disgust, resistance to dominant currents, rejection, and doubt regarding the characters’ belief systems—many of which are rooted in traditional and cultural norms. The presence of stigma in the lives of the novel’s main characters can lead to serious consequences such as secrecy, dishonesty, various psychological disorders, and ultimately, social anxiety. Moreover, ethnic and tribal stigma appears to be the most painful and oppressive aspect for the
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