| The
Kuwaiti of the pre-oil era survived, in the harshness of the
desert or sea, through a mix of finely honed skills and highly developed
social organization based on family, can and tribe, which provided
the economic and political support necessary for survival. In return
for this support, the individual gave unquestioning service and loyalty
to his group. This gave rise to clan –based networks, which are still
extremely strong and provide the basis of social relations between
Kuwaitis today. |