Document Type : scientific-research

Authors

• ali afzali ¹
• Zenyab Ghasemi Asl ²

¹ Assistant Professor in Arabic Language & Literature, University of Tehran

² Ph.D. Graduate in Arabic Language & Literature, University of Tehran

Abstract

Based on Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social capital, the novel "Banat al-Riyadh" (Girls of Riyadh) by Rajaa Alsanea has been sociologically analyzed, in present research. The authors have tried, in present paper, to explain the status of women's social capital in Saudi Arabia, therefore the novel "Banat al-Riyadh" has been reviewed through four levels of cultural, social, economic and symbolic capitals. Findings of the research show that women's symbolic capital in Saudi Arabia is very weak and they have a small share of it, a situation that stems from the problems in the social capital of the country; and the existing social controls, of which patriarchy is the most obvious output, are the biggest obstacle for women to benefit social and, ultimately, symbolic capital. The Social capital of Saudi Arabian women however stands on an acceptable level, but is not able to help them coping with social problems and does not lead to reproduction of symbolic capital.

Keywords

• Sociology of Literature
• Banat al-Riyadh
• Rajaa Alsanea
• Social capital
• Pierre Bourdieu