Teen Life in Yemen

Strict religious and social customs in Yemen regulate most aspects of daily life for teens, such as prohibiting social interactions between boys and girls. Though teens in Yemen participate in many of the same activities as teenagers in other cultures, including attending school, important differences exist, such as the lower number of girls who receive an education.

  1. Education

    • According to the book "Teen Life in the Middle East," edited by Ali Akbar Mahdi, education is not compulsory in Yemen, though the government aspires to have all children educated. A high number of teens do not attend school, particularly girls, according to the book. According to Youth for Understanding, public schools are co-ed until fourth grade, and boys and girls are seated separately in co-ed classes. Each gender is seated on separate sides of the classroom. The use of cell phones isn't permitted in Yemeni schools.

    Socializing

    • Socializing among Yemeni teens is different than the standard in the United States. According to Youth for Understanding, having friends of the opposite sex is generally not acceptable, and it is taboo for boys in some Yemeni communities to make direct eye contact with girls. According to "Teen Life in the Middle East," dating is prohibited, and the practice of arranged marriages is still observed, though it is not as common as it once was.

    Home Life

    • Yemeni households typically include extended family. According to Youth for Understanding, most Yemeni families observe traditional roles, with the mother staying at home while the father works and maintains authority over the household. Teens are expected to share in family responsibilities, though their roles are also divided by gender. Girls are expected to tend to household matters such as laundry and cleaning, while boys are expected to clean only their rooms and to help with running errands, according to Youth for Understanding. However, according to Youth for Understanding, Yemeni families respect each member's right to pursue their own interests.

    Extracurricular Activities

    • Extracurricular activities are limited to institutes or sports clubs, according to Youth for Understanding. When teenagers participate in extracurricular activities, parents do not usually become involved, according to Youth for Understanding. According to "Teen Life in the Middle East," even when teens are involved in these activities, they are still segregated by gender, and they have to observe modest dress.

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