Remaking Women: Feminism and Modernity in the Middle East

Remaking Women collects scholarly essays examining feminism and modernity in the Middle East from the late 19th century through the present. The anthology focuses on Egypt and includes works by historians, anthropologists, and literary scholars analyzing the complex relationship between feminism, colonialism, nationalism, and social transformation. The contributors explore how concepts of the "modern woman" emerged through education reforms, changes in family structures, and evolving ideas about motherhood and domesticity. Their research draws on diverse sources including medical texts, women's magazines, novels, political speeches, and ethnographic fieldwork. The essays reveal tensions between Western and local feminist ideologies, highlighting debates around veiling, women's rights, and female identity that continue to shape gender politics in the region. Through its interdisciplinary approach, this volume challenges simplistic narratives about Middle Eastern women's liberation and modernization. The collection speaks to broader questions about how gender roles transform during periods of rapid social change, and how feminist movements navigate between cultural preservation and reform.

Readers note this book provides concrete examples of how feminist movements evolved differently across Middle Eastern countries, rather than presenting a monolithic view. Many appreciate the detailed case studies from Egypt, Turkey, and Iran that demonstrate how modernity and feminism intersected with local cultures. Readers liked: - Clear analysis of class differences in feminist movements - Strong historical context and primary sources - Examination of both secular and Islamic feminism Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style can be difficult to follow - Some chapters feel disconnected from the main themes - Limited coverage of certain regions/time periods Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (98 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "The book effectively shows how Western feminism doesn't map perfectly onto Middle Eastern contexts." Another criticized: "Too much theoretical framework before getting to the actual historical analysis."

Gender and National Identity: Women and Politics in Muslim Societies by Valentine M. Moghadam This collection examines women's movements and gender politics in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and other Muslim societies through the lens of state policies and modernization processes.

Women, Islam and Modernity: Single Women, Sexuality and Reproductive Health in Contemporary Indonesia by Linda Rae Bennett The text explores Indonesian Muslim women's navigation of tradition, religion, and contemporary life through studies of reproduction, sexuality, and social change.

Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject by Saba Mahmood The book analyzes the women's mosque movement in Egypt to understand female agency, religious practice, and secular-liberal assumptions about feminism in the Middle East.

Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate by Leila Ahmed The work traces the historical development of Islamic discourses on women and gender from pre-Islamic Middle East through the contemporary period.

Women, Islam and the State by Deniz Kandiyoti The volume presents case studies from various Middle Eastern countries to examine the relationship between state power, modernization projects, and women's rights in Muslim societies.

🔹 Author Lila Abu-Lughod is a renowned anthropologist who grew up between the United States and Morocco, giving her unique insights into both Western and Middle Eastern cultures. 🔹 The book challenges the common Western assumption that modernization automatically leads to women's liberation, showing how Middle Eastern feminism developed through its own distinct pathways. 🔹 Several chapters examine how Egyptian women's magazines from the early 20th century played a crucial role in shaping ideas about modern womanhood and domestic life. 🔹 The collection includes research on both urban and rural women's experiences, revealing how modernization affected different social classes in contrasting ways across the Middle East. 🔹 The book's title "Remaking Women" refers not just to social changes but also to how Middle Eastern women actively participated in redefining their own roles, rather than being passive recipients of modernization.