ABSTRACT
The six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council have been described as young societies with a youth boom of individuals between the ages of 18 and 35. Part of the modernization process characterizing social changes in the Gulf has been the phenomenon of increasing youth independence, which is manifested in changing values, commitments, entrepreneurship, aspirations, behaviour, and other forms. This chapter addresses the impact of increasing youth independence on their roles and relationships within their families, their formation of new families, and on society at large. Challenges of self-establishment and changing values contribute to late marriage, which in turn has led to more male youth living independently and separately from their families. Globalization of knowledge, culture, and values has been facilitated by cyber communication, study abroad, and travel. Private Western-oriented education is also widespread from kindergarten to university, which has an impact on Gulf youth culture, values, and knowledge. These social changes have led many single Gulf males and females to form friendship groups, join associations and clubs, and dissociate themselves from traditional linkages. Thus, demographic and social changes have increased youth independence in the Gulf, and increasing youth independence has led to further demographic and social changes.
