Threads of tradition: Emirati mothers’ perspective on family dynamics and support systems during the perinatal period
1
Institute of Public Health (IPH), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
2
Ministry of Family, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The United Arab Emirates is witnessing a rapidly evolving economic landscape challenging traditional gender and societal norms 1-3. The study aimed to document the impact of changing norms on paternal roles during perinatal period and its impacts on maternal and child wellbeing.
METHODS:
A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized analysing semi-structured interviews of 17 Emirati mothers recruited from the Mutaba'ah ongoing cohort study 4, and eight Emirati fathers from the community.
RESULTS:
Key themes included “personal agency and pregnancy within collective communities”, “the burden of care in Emirati families”, and “supportive care networks and systems”. Emirati families are shifting towards nuclear units operating within collective spaces, making decisions independent of their extended families. Yet, societal expectations persist and influence pregnancy experience, family planning, household responsibilities and childcare. During labour, women are expected to be assisted by female family members rather than their spouses as it is culturally uncommon for fathers to be present during delivery. However, mothers and fathers are challenging persistent beliefs increasing paternal involvement during childbirth. In contrast, the burden of childcare postpartum lies predominantly on the mother, while fathers play a limited role. Mothers are adamant about not repeating generational mistakes and seek a more involved paternal figure hence turn to sources beyond their social networks for guidance and support, including social media and educational courses. While fathers place emphasis on tradition when seeking guidance, consulting male role models senior to them. Overall, fathers adhere to societal expectations as financial providers, however, there is a growing emphasis on their emotional involvement and active engagement with their children.
CONCLUSIONS:
Emirati families are experiencing cultural shifts in roles, expectations, and dynamics, moving away from patriarchal collectivist norms. The study calls for structured programs and targeted interventions to leverage community strengths and improve support for maternal and child well-being.
The United Arab Emirates is witnessing a rapidly evolving economic landscape challenging traditional gender and societal norms 1-3. The study aimed to document the impact of changing norms on paternal roles during perinatal period and its impacts on maternal and child wellbeing.
METHODS:
A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized analysing semi-structured interviews of 17 Emirati mothers recruited from the Mutaba'ah ongoing cohort study 4, and eight Emirati fathers from the community.
RESULTS:
Key themes included “personal agency and pregnancy within collective communities”, “the burden of care in Emirati families”, and “supportive care networks and systems”. Emirati families are shifting towards nuclear units operating within collective spaces, making decisions independent of their extended families. Yet, societal expectations persist and influence pregnancy experience, family planning, household responsibilities and childcare. During labour, women are expected to be assisted by female family members rather than their spouses as it is culturally uncommon for fathers to be present during delivery. However, mothers and fathers are challenging persistent beliefs increasing paternal involvement during childbirth. In contrast, the burden of childcare postpartum lies predominantly on the mother, while fathers play a limited role. Mothers are adamant about not repeating generational mistakes and seek a more involved paternal figure hence turn to sources beyond their social networks for guidance and support, including social media and educational courses. While fathers place emphasis on tradition when seeking guidance, consulting male role models senior to them. Overall, fathers adhere to societal expectations as financial providers, however, there is a growing emphasis on their emotional involvement and active engagement with their children.
CONCLUSIONS:
Emirati families are experiencing cultural shifts in roles, expectations, and dynamics, moving away from patriarchal collectivist norms. The study calls for structured programs and targeted interventions to leverage community strengths and improve support for maternal and child well-being.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
