Sexuality in Muslim Contexts

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Sexuality in Muslim Contexts

Restrictions and Resistance

Islamic life and practice Gender studies: women and girls Social groups: religious groups and communities Sociology

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Language: English

Published by: Zed Books

Published on: 11th October 2012

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 360 pages

ISBN: 9781780322889


Introduction

This groundbreaking book explores resistance against the harsh policing of sexuality in some Muslim societies. Many Muslim majority countries still use religious discourse to enforce stigmatization and repression of those, especially women, who do not conform to sexual norms promoted either by the state or by non-state actors. In this context, Islam is often stigmatized in Western discourse for being intrinsically restrictive with respect to women's rights and sexuality.

Key Findings

The authors show that conservative Muslim discourse does not necessarily match practices of believers or of citizens and that women's empowerment is facilitated where indigenous and culturally appropriate strategies are developed. Using case studies from Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, Israel and India, they argue persuasively that Muslim religious traditions do not necessarily lead to conservative agendas but can promote emancipatory standpoints.

Conclusion

An intervention to the construction of "Muslim women" as uniformly subordinate, this collection spearheads an unprecedented wake of organizing around sexualities in Muslim communities.

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