The author was invited in the spring of 1955 by the Training Department of the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco) to participate in their summer institute for teachers of American children. Of his impressions concerning life among the American employees of Aramco and their families he writes: "The paternalistic effort [of Aramco] produced an almost ideal variety of community facilities, but the substance of community life, however, seemed distorted and a little unreal. Certain aspects of American character were exaggerated and, in particular, the traditional female role appeared difficult of realization while, for the men, concern with status and money was primary."