Political Culture of Jordanian Society: Tribal, Nationalist and Islamic Dimensions

Abstract

This study aims at examining Jordan’s political culture with specific reference to three dimensions. First, tribal dimension; second, national (Pan – Arab) dimension and finally Islamic dimension of Jordan’s political culture. More specifically, the study raised two fundamental questions: first, what is the relationship between these different dimensions and “Jordanian Identity”? Second, do these dimensions hinder the possibility of an emerging democratic society? The “central region” of Jordan was selected as a target group for this survey. Reasons for that selection were provided in the study. The study was conducted using the descriptive analytical approach as a method for examining the findings of the survey. This study concluded that there is a strong correlation between various dimensions of Jordan’s political culture and the issue of identity. However, there is no evidence to support the idea that Jordan’s political culture may prohibit the process of democratization.