Women in Arab Society

Beginning with an overview of the basic features of contemporary Arab society as they relate to the question of women and gender relations, particular emphasis is placed on the role of women in the family and in production, including participation in the wage labor force.

The role of the state in defining the nature and scope of women’s participation in society and their social and economic rights is investigated, as are recent Islamist trends and their focus on the modesty of women and their place in society.

Finally, the course examines the history of women’s organized action as it developed within the Arab nationalist movement and beyond.