The Social Status of the Father within the Kurdish Family )A Field Study in the City of Erbil(

Abstract

As the fundamental unit of society, the family has always been influenced by cultural and contemporary transformations, in which the father has played a central role as the axis of authority and the guardian of family unity. From this perspective, this research seeks to address a primary question: Has the social status of the father within the Kurdish family in Erbil remained a center of power amidst modernity and economic changes, or has it shifted toward functional change and a consultative role? The objectives of this study are to identify the actual status of the father within the contemporary Kurdish family structure, alongside analyzing decision-making mechanisms and the impact of modernity and cultural shifts on this status. This is a quantitative study, employing a descriptive method through a social survey approach. The research population consists of the residents of Erbil city. A purposive sampling method was utilized, specifically targeting individuals whose fathers are still living. The sample size consists of (384) participants, reaching the scientific standard for such studies. Data collection was conducted using a survey questionnaire administered to the sample units in Erbil. The key findings of the research indicate that the father’s status within the Kurdish family remains at a very high level, signifying that the father is still perceived as the primary pillar and source of family strength. Regarding decision-making authority, the results revealed that the father remains the ultimate decision-maker in critical matters such as (education, marriage, and property acquisition). One of the most significant findings is that the father’s status has demonstrated strong resilience against cultural changes and social media. Furthermore, the mother’s economic independence has not significantly diminished the father’s hegemony.