Female Youth in Contemporary Egypt: Post-Islamism and a New Politics of Visibility

This book explores the everyday life structures of a cohort of Muslim/ex-Islamist female youth in Egypt who have joined or established new networks that share the common interest of doing 'good to the society based on their religious worldviews, representing a broader societal movement. It considers the emergence and development of post- and non-bourgeois public spheres in Arabo-Islamic contexts, the positioning of religion as public/private, a critique of Islamist thought, and a critique of feminist thought to understand novel forms of Muslim women's discourses and activism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Female Youth in Contemporary Egypt delves into the intricate tapestry of everyday life structures experienced by a cohort of Muslim/ex-Islamist female youth in Egypt. Through a comprehensive blend of interview material, observations, and content analysis, it offers a captivating portrayal of these young individuals who have either joined or established new networks driven by a shared commitment to "doing good to society based on their religious worldviews." This portrayal represents a broader societal movement, reflecting the transformative impact of the 2011 Egyptian uprisings.

Female Youth in Contemporary Egypt posits that, despite the fact that the 2011 Egyptian uprisings did not necessarily yield the political outcomes anticipated by some of its activists, they have nonetheless sparked the emergence of a new generation of active youth with a distinct worldview. This book explores four broad and interconnected theoretical considerations that shed light on the evolving landscape of post- (and sometimes non-) bourgeois public spheres in Arabo-Islamic contexts. It conceptualizes multiple publics of overlapping Islamic structures rather than a singular Islamic public, highlighting the complex interplay of cultural, social, and religious factors.

Furthermore, the book delves into an empirical and conceptual exploration of the positioning of religion as public/private. It challenges traditional notions of religion as solely private and offers a nuanced understanding of how religion intersects with public life, shaping social interactions, political discourse, and individual identities. By examining the dynamics between religion and the state, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of power relations and the role of religion in shaping society.

In addition to its theoretical considerations, Female Youth in Contemporary Egypt offers a critical critique of Islamist thought. It challenges the traditional understanding of Islamism as a monolithic and homogeneous movement and instead presents a nuanced portrayal of the diverse range of Islamist ideologies and practices. The book identifies the factors that contribute to the rise of post-Islamism, including the historical legacies of colonialism, authoritarianism, and the marginalization of certain groups within Muslim societies. It also critiques feminist thought to shed light on novel forms of Muslim women's discourses and activism that align with post-Islamist worldviews.

Female Youth in Contemporary Egypt is a groundbreaking work that will appeal to scholars in Middle Eastern Studies, womens studies, and political studies. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the lives of Muslim/ex-Islamist female youth in Egypt, providing valuable insights into the broader societal movement driven by a commitment to social justice and religious pluralism. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book contributes to our understanding of the evolving landscape of gender, religion, and politics in the Middle East and beyond.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032131665