Islamizing Intimacies: Youth, Sexuality, and Gender in Contemporary Indonesia

Nancy J. Smith-Hefner's ethnography explores the personal lives and sexual attitudes of educated Muslim Javanese youth in Yogyakarta, revealing the dramatic social and ethical changes taking place in Indonesian society. Drawing on over 250 interviews, the book provides insights into the real-life struggles of young Muslims and frames Indonesia's wider debates on gender and youth culture. Young women in particular seek freedom for self-expression, employment, and social fulfillment outside of the home, reflecting the abandonment of traditions and practices deemed incompatible with authentic Islam.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2019
Publisher: University of Hawai'i Press

The Muslim world is undergoing a profound transformation, encompassing not only political and economic changes but also a significant reshaping of young Muslims' approaches to romance, courtship, and marriage. In her insightful ethnography, Nancy J. Smith-Hefner delves into the personal lives and sexual attitudes of educated Muslim Javanese youth in the city of Yogyakarta, shedding light on the dramatic social and ethical shifts occurring in Indonesian society. Drawing on over 250 interviews conducted over a fifteen-year period, Smith-Hefner crafts a vivid and well-crafted portrayal of the real-life struggles faced by young Muslims, while also providing a deep understanding of the broader debates on gender and youth culture in Indonesia.

These changes among Muslim youth reflect an ongoing endeavor to balance diverse ideals, ethical concerns, and aspirations. On the one hand, there is a growing desire among young people to actively engage with their Islamic faith, seeking a more self-conscious and scriptural-based interpretation. At the same time, many educated youth aspire to personal relationships that resemble those found among their peers elsewhere, characterized by greater informality, openness, and intimacy than was typical in their parents and grandparents' generations. Young women, in particular, seek freedom for self-expression, employment, and social fulfillment outside of the home. Smith-Hefner pays close attention to the shifting roles and perspectives of young women, recognizing their profound impact as the most dramatically affected by the upheavals transforming this predominantly Muslim-majority country.

While the personal experiences of young Muslims are deeply personal, their changing aspirations have far-reaching implications for social and public life throughout Indonesia. The study, which commenced shortly after the fall of authoritarian rule, offers a longitudinal perspective that allows for a comprehensive analysis of these transformations. Smith-Hefner's work contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping contemporary Muslim societies and highlights the need for inclusive and empathetic policies that address the diverse needs and aspirations of young people.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 170 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780824878030