Exploring Masculine Attributes and Identity Formation in the Qatari Pearl Diving Community

Engraved to the heritage of Qatar, the craft of pearl diving sustained its economy in the pre-oil era. Driven by the need for survival, the craft emerged as an identity that necessitates endurance of harsh quality of life and encourages specific behavioural patterns and adoption of values. The formation of this identity is influenced by poor economic factors and sustained by the community members to set the image of the pearl diver. This study argues that the skills required for this craft have shaped a community of a masculine nature. The thesis applies the lenses of Hofstede’s value dimension of masculinity to better understand the formulated image of masculinity in the Qatari community. The proposed dimension, among others developed by Hofstede, stems from studying national cultures, defined as “the manifestation of a country’s deeply rooted values” (Erdman, 2018, p. 36).

This study examines masculinity as a characteristic that defines a community and addresses the following question/s: What are the attributes that shape the identity of the ideal diver? In what ways do the attributes contribute to the accepted image of masculinity in the Qatari culture? This research explores the practiced behaviour patterns, character attributes, and shared values that form an essential part of the Qatari identity. By conducting a case study, this research examines the formulation of Qatari identity by shedding light on the pearl diving community. It also seeks to examine the manifestation of a masculine identity in the context of this community. Through this contribution, this research intends to enrich sociocultural studies of the Qatari identity and offer insights into the nature of the pearl diving society.