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

Female Youth in Contemporary Egypt 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. It considers the emergence and continuous development of post- (and sometimes 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.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
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, Female Youth in Contemporary Egypt offers a critical critique of Islamist thought, contributing to our understanding of the factors that have fueled the rise. It challenges the traditional understanding of Islamism as a monolithic and homogeneous movement and instead presents a nuanced analysis of the diverse perspectives and ideologies within the Islamist spectrum. By examining the origins of post-Islamism and its relationship to Islamist thought, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between religion, politics, and social change.

Furthermore, the book extends its critique to feminist thought, exploring the ways in which feminist discourses and activism have evolved in response to the changing landscape of post-Islamist worldviews. It challenges the notion of a linear progression from traditional feminist thought to post-Islamist feminism and instead presents a more complex and nuanced understanding of the ways in which Muslim women are engaging with feminist ideas and advocating for their rights. By examining the intersection of religion, gender, and social change, the book offers valuable insights into the emerging forms of Muslim women's discourses and activism that are shaping the future of society.

Female Youth in Contemporary Egypt is a groundbreaking work that will appeal to scholars across a wide range of disciplines, including Middle Eastern Studies, Women's Studies, and Political Studies. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics of female youth in Egypt, shedding light on the ways in which they navigate the intersections of religion, politics, and social change. Through its comprehensive analysis and critical insights, the book offers valuable contributions to our understanding of the evolving landscape of post-Islamist societies and the role of women in shaping the future of their communities.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032131689