The Social Structure of Lebanon – Democracy or Servitude? – Safia Antoun Saadeh

Description

The Social Structure of Lebanon – Democracy or Servitude?

By Safia Antoun Saadeh

Although numerous books have been written about Lebanon during the last decade, rare were the works that dealt specifically and comprehensively with the social composition of Lebanon from a structural point of view. In this book, Professor Safia Saadeh, who was a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University this year, traces the development and evolution of the social structure in order to understand the dynamics, conflicts, the alignments, and even the civil war within Lebanon. Analyzing the social structure sheds light the complexity of Lebanese society. This will enable analysts and politicians proffer adequate and viable solutions. In her analysis, Professor Saadeh utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining both history and sociology. On one hand, she surveys the legacy of Ottoman Empire and the West to see how they affected the Lebanese social structure. On the other, the author examines the various aspects of such a structure as reflected on the political and social levels in an effort to discern ether this structure is conclusive or detrimental to democracy and social change and progress. One can disagree with Professor Saadeh's diagnosis and conclusions, but no one can afford to ignore the important questions she raises.

This book will serve as a valuable source for all who wish to understand the internal mechanisms and social makeup of Lebanese society and their impact on political behavior.

Safia Saadeh received her Ph.D.from Harvard University. She taught in the fields of history and sociology at Beirut University College, the Lebanese University, and the American University of Beirut. She has published a number articles, research studies, and two books.

Language: English
ISBN: N/A
1992, softback, 144 pages, 17 x 24 cm (7" x 9")

Contents Chapter One Defenitions 1. The "Tribal" Theory 2. The "Sectarian" Theory 3. The "Feudal" Theory 4. The "Communities" Theory Chapter Two The Ottoman Legacy: The Millet System 1. Stratification on the Basis of Occupation 2. Stratification on the Basis of Religious Affiliation Chapter Three The Nineteenth Century: A Period of Transition Chapter Four Greater Lebanon and Its Social Stratification (1920-1990) 1. The National Pact 1943 2. The Burgeoning of a Secular Middle Class (1943-1975) 3. The Civil War (1975-1989) Chapter Five Society and Social Structure 1. Social-political Rigidity 2. Segregation 3. Emphasis on Differences rather than Similarities 4. The Social Institutions 5. The Problem of Social Mobility Chapter Six The Fate of the State up to the Taef Accord 1. The State Bureaucracy 2. The Taef Accord Chapter Seven Conclusion: Democracy or Servitude? 1. The Legal Changes 2. The Social Changes 3. The Political Changes 4. The Secular Solution 5. Social Association as a Solution Bibliography