Social Changes in the Emirati Feminist Fiction over the Last Decade: A Thematic Narrative Analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the social changes in the Emirati feminist fiction published over the last decade
with a selection of five Emirati novels, focusing on the circumstances of their publications and the
societal diseases addressed in the context of these novels, i.e. the struggle between traditional values and
the demands of modern life and the perceived loss of tranquility and simplicity. Utilizing thematic
narrative analysis, this study furnishes a confirmation of the role played by the novel in identifying the
negative phenomena and issues that need an end by the Emirati people. Through this detailed approach,
these negative phenomena and issues are discussed from socio-psychological, historical, and technical
perspectives. Highlighting the selected five Emirati novels’ ties with societal problems and ills, the
analysis emphasizes their continuing relevance in current discussions about individuality and awareness
of societal problems. The piece of research not only is an invitation to rethink conventional perceptions
but also aims to enrich our understanding of Emirati fiction's legacy as a pivotal figure in contemporary
Arab literature.
Keywords: Changes, Creativity, Emiratis, Feminism, Narration.

Highlights:

1. This paper explores the social changes in the Emirati feminist fiction published over the last decade with a selection of five Emirati novels.
2. Emirati feminist fiction explores a wider range of human emotions and viewpoints. It delves beyond a purely objective understanding of life, recognizing the rich tapestry of culture, art, and personal experiences that shape us.
3. The examined novels reveal three distinct trends in social transformation.
4. The scope and nature of this paper requires utilizing a feminist approach as it focuses on the gender inequality between men and women in Emirati society as it is shown in the selected works.
5. Utilizing thematic narrative analysis, this study furnishes a confirmation of the role played by the novel in identifying the negative phenomena and issues that need an end by the Emirati people.