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A Most Masculine State

By - Al-Rasheed, Madawi
ISBN 10 - 052112252X
ISBN 13 - 9780521122528
Book Status - 1 Qnty Available with us.
Shelf No - 14
Call Number - 305.4209 ALR
Book Information

Call Number - 305.4209 ALR


Women in Saudi Arabia are often described as either victims of patriarchal religion and society or successful survivors of discrimination imposed on them by others. Madawi Al-Rasheed's new book goes beyond these conventional tropes to probe the historical, political, and religious forces that have, across the years, delayed and thwarted their emancipation. The book demonstrates how, under the patronage of the state and its religious nationalism, women have become hostage to contradictory political projects that on the one hand demand female piety, and on the other hand encourage modernity. Drawing on state documents, media sources, and interviews with women from across Saudi society, the book examines the intersection between gender, religion, and politics to explain these contradictions and to show that, despite these restraints, vibrant debates on the question of women are opening up as the struggle for recognition and equality finally gets under way.

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