Qatari Citizens' Attitude toward Pillars of Qatari National Identity

Abstract

Qatari Citizens' Attitude toward Pillars of Qatari National Identity. Objectives: Therefore the objective of the present study is to identify how the Qatari citizens define the importance and prioritize the constituents that define their national identity and the extent to which they are affected by the social and cultural factors related that affected Qatari society. In addition, the study aims to examine how Qatari citizens prioritize (degree of affiliation) to the Qatari national identity compared to the intertwined identities that include Gulf, Arabic, Islamic and tribal identities. Methodology: The study uses the Qatari identity survey February 2018 data prepared by the Institute for Social and Economic Survey Research (SESRI), Qatar University. The study sample included 1,226 Qatari citizens aged 18 years and above. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to summarize the sociodemographic characteristics of the sample and the attitudes of citizens towards the characteristics of the Qatari identity and their belonging to it and the intertwined identities, and to examine differences based on sociodemographic variables. Results and conclusions: The attitudes of citizens towards the characteristics and components of the Qatari national identity were identified, as well as the extent to which citizens gave priority to the Qatari national identity over other identities, within relevant (social and cultural) contexts. Recommendations: The study recommends conducting periodic surveys of national identity and to link it to active and functional citizenship, to be mainstreamed in public and university education curricula.