PDF Summary:Princess, by Jean Sasson

Princess offers an inside look at the lives of Saudi Arabian women, revealing the stark dichotomy between royal privilege and the repressive constraints faced by most women in the deeply patriarchal society. Author Jean Sasson shines a light on Sultana, a trailblazing Saudi princess who defies traditional gender norms and relentlessly fights for women's empowerment.

The story also explores the broader societal and religious underpinnings that have cemented gender inequality as a harsh reality in Saudi Arabia. As modernization efforts clash with conservative opposition, Sultana's journey unfolds amid a pivotal era for the Kingdom's future stance on women's rights.

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Sultana jeopardizes her marital harmony to maintain her autonomy and thwart her husband's efforts to marry another woman.

Sultana's union with Kareem also symbolized a conflict within her ongoing struggle. She cautioned that a separation would ensue and her influence among family members would be asserted if Kareem considered taking another wife. Sultana leveraged her royal status to maintain her autonomy and challenge societal norms that threatened her authority, especially when it became clear that Kareem might consider marrying more women.

Sultana crafted a plan to discourage her spouse from marrying again, which included relocating from the Saudi capital and making Kareem aware of the legal and financial repercussions that could arise should he breach their agreement. She demonstrated her commitment to individual freedom and the broader fight for gender equality by pursuing a path aligned with her own principles.

The story of Sultana not only chronicles an individual's pursuit of liberation but also embodies the broader struggle for gender equality in a culture entrenched in patriarchy. Sultana's existence serves as a compelling testament to the significant personal and societal challenges she faced due to her gender, highlighting her unwavering determination and persistent struggle for the rights of women.

Sultana's privileged upbringing stands in stark contrast to the profound struggles faced by many Saudi Arabian women.

The narrative reveals a stark disparity between the opulent existence of the royal household and the severe challenges encountered by other women within the conservative realm, all witnessed by Sultana, who hails from the royal bloodline.

Sultana's heritage ensures she leads a life characterized by luxury and excess, a testament to her royal ancestry.

Sultana was born into a life characterized by extravagant wealth and luxury. Sultana, a direct descendant of King Abdul Aziz, was raised in grand villas and possessed an extensive collection of items, all of which were carefully duplicated to ensure her enjoyment at each of her residences, whether located in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, or Taif. Her family's home radiates a level of luxury that surpasses the usual standards associated with Saudi royalty, and her way of life is characterized by a wealth of learning opportunities, fine dining, fashionable clothing, and elegant jewelry, all seamlessly underscoring the affluent life she knows well.

The heritage of the Sultana wields considerable influence and authority.

Sultana leverages the considerable influence of her relatives to forge a path that is atypical for the average person. She recounts transformative events from her life, including a lavish wedding featuring orchestras from around the world and the transformation of a maternity ward into a space resembling a royal chamber for her newborn's entrance, adorned with silk and serviced by a specialized crew from London. Her family's immense power and wealth are underscored through the ease with which her father secures properties in London, her spouse's willingness to provide her with multiple homes, and the bestowal of two red Porsches upon her brother when he was just fourteen years old.

Many women in Saudi Arabia, regardless of their royal lineage, lead lives characterized by adversity and oppression.

Despite this narrative of privilege, it stands in sharp contrast to the difficult circumstances faced by many women in Saudi Arabia. Sultana acknowledges the severe limitations and harsh treatment that women face, which also affects female expatriate employees. Women in Saudi Arabia frequently experience coerced matrimonial unions, are subjected to distressing practices like circumcision, and encounter discrimination based on gender, leading to serious consequences for any overt challenge to rigid societal norms.

Sultana recounts harrowing tales, such as that of a young girl from the countryside forced into marriage with an older man, constantly living in terror, and the story of Sameera, a young woman condemned to a life of isolation and despair, imprisoned because she loved someone from a different religion. Foreign domestic workers encounter numerous hardships, including the harrowing experiences of individuals like Madeline, who suffered sexual assault and maltreatment, found herself without any real means to seek justice, and was overlooked by both law enforcement and her employer, who remained unchallenged in their authority.

These narratives illuminate the fact that women, including those of noble descent such as Sultana, grapple with societal structures that enforce conventional limitations, and those lacking noble heritage often face even harsher obstacles. These stories vividly depict the persistent disparities linked to gender and social status, as well as the impact of one's birthplace within a historically important nation, which is also profoundly influenced by notable gender imbalances.

Cultural and religious factors contribute to the marginalization of women in Saudi Arabia.

The significant shaping of women's rights restrictions is deeply influenced by the entrenched cultural and traditional beliefs within Saudi Arabian society.

Strict interpretations of Islam are frequently mentioned as the reason for women's reduced status in society.

In the legal system, the testimony given by women is deemed unreliable and not valid.

The common belief that women's narratives are considered less trustworthy frequently leads to the undervaluation of their viewpoints in judicial contexts.

Women are expected to follow and respect the directives given by men.

From the moment they start their journey in life, women are met with strict dress codes that set a societal expectation of adherence to directives given by men. References to the established customs of Prophet Muhammad are sometimes used to uphold these norms, which include the conviction that women must adhere to the religious guidelines that dictate their behavior.

Saudi society strongly emphasizes the notion of male superiority.

Men wield significant sway over the lives of their female kin.

Men, especially those who are fathers and brothers, maintain influence over the decisions and freedoms of their female family members, thus continuing a deeply rooted patriarchal system within the family. Men in these positions act as guardians, restricting the participation and movement of women in society.

Daughters frequently bear the burden of being seen as less valuable compared to the cherished sons.

In Saudi Arabia's cultural norms, there is a preference for sons over daughters. The arrival of a son is frequently greeted with joy, while the birth of a daughter can be dimmed by the perception that they hold less worth. Expectations and letdowns associated with a newborn's gender underscore the deep-seated bias favoring sons.

In Saudi Arabia, the societal framework, influenced by specific interpretations of Islamic doctrines and entrenched customs, results in a hierarchy where men predominantly hold higher ranks and women frequently occupy subordinate roles. In Saudi Arabia, these standards mold the entirety of experiences for women across diverse aspects of life.

The era was characterized by significant sociopolitical changes taking place within Saudi Arabia.

During this pivotal period, Saudi Arabia experiences significant transformations in its societal and governmental structures, demonstrating how it navigates the equilibrium between adopting modern advancements and preserving longstanding traditions.

There is a growing call for the Saudi Arabian government to prioritize development and the enhancement of gender equality.

King Faisal gained notable recognition for his advocacy and support of educational opportunities and empowerment for women.

King Faisal is renowned for his strong support of progress in advancing modernization and championing women's empowerment within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He and his wife Iffat undertake bold initiatives that progressively lead to improvements in women's education. Women are progressively seeking educational opportunities and, in defiance of conventional customs, some choose to reveal their identities, often encountering disapproval from those who assess their behavior through the lens of religious convictions.

A new group of Saudi Arabian women is challenging traditional gender roles.

A new group of Saudi Arabian women is starting to question traditional gender roles. The emergence of women drivers in Riyadh signifies advancement towards equal rights and autonomy. At an international gathering, female entrepreneurs passionately called for change, all of whom originated from Saudi Arabia.

The conflict between reformists and religious conservatives is escalating.

The intensification of these disputes resulted from the conflict in the Gulf.

The incursion into Kuwait followed by the subsequent Gulf War escalated the already present discord between advocates of reform and staunch religious traditionalists. This period is marked by local disputes that raise concerns regarding the lack of stability and harmony within the royal family.

The reigning monarch and their relatives endeavor to preserve their reign and ensure societal stability amidst public turmoil.

The royal family faces the demanding task of maintaining their sway and equilibrium in the face of increasing calls for political change. Academic voices urging for governance reforms and the administration's measured move towards conducting elections are responses to domestic and international pressure. The challenge lies in navigating modernization while addressing the concerns of religious conservatives who view these changes with deep skepticism.