the vast wealth generated by oil revenues was beginning to have an even greater impact on saudi society. it led to rapid technological (but not cultural) modernisation, urbanization, mass public education and the creation of new media. this and the presence of increasingly large numbers of foreign workers greatly affected traditional saudi norms and values. although there was dramatic change in the social and economic life of the country, political power continued to be monopolized by the royal family leading to discontent among many saudis who began to look for wider participation in government.