Muslim Women's Choices: Religious Belief and Social Reality

Description

This volume counters the prevailing Western views and stereotypes of Muslim women - usually projected through male interpretations - by presenting a cross-cultural perspective of their experiences and choices in contemporary Muslim communities. The main theme running through these papers is the manner in which Muslim women consciously as well as unconsciously manipulate religious belief to negotiate their gender roles within the context of their lives.

Camillia Fawzi El-Solh Research Associate,Centre for Cross-Cultural Research on Women, University of Oxford Judy Mabro Freelance Editor

'...the editors and contributors...aid in our understanding of the impact of current political and social events on women.' MAN '...a strong anthology examining a broad range of contemporary women's experiences.' The Bookwatch 'It is particularly striking to see the very flexible and varied way that Islam is interpreted and used by women to negotiate their lives and responsibilities.' British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies "...this collection exemplifies...the acknowledgement of human agency, that people (even women) have options and constantly make choices among them. ...By including societies until recently ignored in Muslim studies, the editors underscore the reach of Muslim culture. ...Especially relevant and welcome are the contrasts between women living in majority and minority Muslim communities, and studies of communities not frequently researched." MEWS Review "presents an image of Muslim women different from the western perception which tends to be narrowly confined to the concepts of confinement, subjugation and segregation" Development