In considering the status of women in the Arab countries, it is important to distinguish between the poorer developing countries and the more developed, wealthy Arab countries. Important factors influencing the status of women include education, economy, poverty, and religion. In many instances these factors are shown to be interrelated with cultural practices and attitudes (Aoyama 1999). In turn, these factors influence dietary practices in Arab countries.

Rooted in Arab culture, for example, is a preference for sons over daughters. Female infants are thus wea…