Critical analysis of the representation of social problems in Gada’ Al-‘Id Movie by Lucien Bourjeily (sociological approach to literature)

Abstract

This research intends to discuss the social problems criticized in Gada’ al-‘Id movie. The aim of this research is first to explain the social conditions of Lebanese society as a background for the emergence of criticism. Second, to analyze the forms of social problems criticized in Gada’ al-‘Id movie. The material object of this research is Gada’ al-‘Id, a movie by Lucien Bourjeily released in 2017. This research uses social criticism theory with Gillin and Gillin's concept of social problems as an analytical tool. The research method used is qualitative descriptive, and the approach used is the sociology of literature. The data collection technique in this research was carried out using the note-taking method and literature study. The research results show that the existence of sectarianism in various fields, the rise of westernization, the economic crisis, migration of the younger generation abroad, population decline, and the prevalence of migrant workers are the social conditions of Lebanese society that motivate the emergence of social criticism in Gada’ al-‘Id movie. Furthermore, there are some data criticizing eight social problems in this movie, namely politics, economy, family, customs, religion, gender, morals, and technology. The researcher found that the most dominant problem criticized in this movie is the political problem of confessionalism, which significantly impacts social, economic, religious, and even family issues.