Impact of Technological Changes on the Structure of the Arab Family from the perspective of Female Employees in the Saudi Arabian Public Sector

(A field study applied to the Dawadmi Governorate)

Abstract

Research Objective: This study investigates the impact of technological changes on the structure of the Arab family, specifically from the perspective of female public sector employees in Ad-Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia. It responds to the rapid acceleration of modern information and communication technologies (ICT), including smart devices and social media, which have become fundamental to daily life.

The researcher employed a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing a questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of 203 female government employees. The research instrument covered six primary axes: the level of technological usage, and the impact of technology on family characteristics, roles, functions, interaction, and overall family relationships.

The findings revealed a high prevalence of technological integration in terms of usage patterns, duration, and reliance on digital tools for communication and task completion. The impact of these changes was significantly high regarding family characteristics, roles, and internal interactions. Interestingly, the study indicated that the impact of technology on traditional family functions was moderate.

Analysis showed statistically significant differences in participants' responses based on several variables: residency (favoring urban areas), family type (favoring nuclear families), age (favoring the younger group), and educational level (favoring those with higher education). Furthermore, the results highlighted both the positive and negative sociocultural repercussions of technology on the family structure.

The researcher recommends enhancing the positive functions of technology through educational and cultural applications. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and establishing usage regulations for children to ensure a balanced digital environment that preserves the sustainability and integrity of family functions.