Ibn Khaldun argued that the successive stages of ideal dynasty must possess “group feelings.” This leads people to act in the common interest over extended periods of time. If you study the history of world religions, you will see that a new dynasty was established when it could claim a religious basis of legitimacy through prophecy, reform or some other, let’s say, “religious coloring.”The same trend can be seen in modern-day politics. Growing up in 1950s and 1960s America, the channel was the promotion of the “American Dream.” Americans were encouraged to perceive the hallmark of success as something along the lines of having a house with a white picket fence, a vacation, two children and the ability to send those children to college. If you achieved this, you were middle class.
The traits I saw back then, I presently see in Turkey. Turks work hard to obtain one or two cars, move to an area where the streets are wider and trees can be seen, go on family vacations and provide good education for their one or two children. No more large families.
You know, I have even spotted some white picket fences around.
Unfortunately, many Americans -- who put their trust in middle class ideology -- have in less than a decade fallen to the ranks of the working poor. Despite this fact, anytime you ask an American how they would describe their family’s wealth and social status, most will answer with “middle class.”
These days it is difficult to explain what this means.
You may notice that it is common for Turks to ask you direct personal questions. Your answers will allow them to pigeon-hole you. A foreign friend of mine who has not been here very long recently shared how, when she meets someone for the first time, just fires the questions the other direction and keeps the other person so busy answering that she avoids being asked all those questions.
Ibn Khaldun provides fascinating insights into the politics, life and culture of his time. He had to struggle to create the vocabulary with which he could discuss the rise and fall of dynasties throughout the Muslim world.
People are still trying to define “middle class.” When it comes down to it, the idea of middle class -- wherever you are -- remains the same. In the article, “6 Signs That You’ve Made It To Middle Class,” James E. McWhinney describes the lifestyle choices that define the middle class as follows:
Home ownership
Automobile ownership
A college education for the kids
Retirement security
Health insurance
Family vacation
In Turkey, and elsewhere, you can see evidence of people trying to obtain all of these.
Ibn Khaldun chose a striking metaphor to depict his view of the nature of political change, a metaphor which involves growth, maturity and decay. Each stage of life generates the conditions necessary for the next. Contemporary Middle East scholar Dale Eickelman argued that Ibn Khaldun’s theory of dynastic change is pessimistic, because he saw the cyclical successions of stages as inevitable.
These days it is not just the politics to consider. The banking sector, globalization and technological advances affect lifestyle too. The cyclical successions of stages are inevitable. Although the middle class is a vanishing breed in America, around the world many are trying to reach middle class status one way or another regardless of their income.
In Texas we have a saying:
“All hat and no cattle.”
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
