The Art of Resistance in Islam: The Performance of Politics among Shi'i Women in the Middle East and Beyond

This book explores women's resistance to state, communal, and gender power structures through first-hand ethnographic insights into Shi i religious groups in the Middle East and Europe. It offers a new transnational approach to understanding gender agency within contemporary Islamic movements, focusing on the aesthetic performance of the political on the female body through Shi i ritual practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of women's resistance against state, communal, and gender power structures, drawing upon first-hand ethnographic insights into Shi'i religious groups in the Middle East and Europe. Through a novel transnational approach, it explores the multifaceted expressions of gender agency within contemporary Islamic movements, manifesting in language, ritual practices, dramatic performances, posters, and banners. By examining the aesthetic performance of the political on the female body through Shi'i ritual practices, a previously overlooked aspect in studies on women's acts of resistance, Yafa Shanneik sheds light on how women actively contribute to redefining sectarian and gender power relations both in the Middle East and in the European diaspora.

The book begins by situating women's resistance within the broader context of political and social transformations in the Middle East and Europe. It highlights the historical and cultural factors that have shaped women's experiences and struggles, as well as the challenges they face in challenging dominant power structures.

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the historical background and development of Shi'i religious groups in the Middle East and Europe. It explores the historical roots of women's oppression and the emergence of feminist movements within these communities. The chapter also highlights the role of religious leaders and scholars in promoting women's rights and empowerment.

Chapter 2 delves into the various forms of women's resistance against state, communal, and gender power structures. It examines how women have used language, ritual practices, dramatic performances, posters, and banners to express their grievances and challenge dominant narratives. The chapter also explores the ways in which these forms of resistance have been both resisted and accommodated by religious and social institutions.

Chapter 3 examines the role of women in redefining sectarian and gender power relations within contemporary Islamic movements. It explores how women have used their bodies, voices, and performances to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The chapter also examines the ways in which these performances have been both celebrated and criticized by religious and social authorities.

Chapter 4 explores the impact of women's resistance on social and political change in the Middle East and Europe. It examines how women's activism and advocacy have led to the recognition of their rights and the expansion of women's political participation. The chapter also explores the challenges and limitations faced by women in pursuing their goals of gender equality.

Chapter 5 concludes the book by reflecting on the lessons learned from the study of women's resistance in the Middle East and Europe. It highlights the importance of intersectionality in understanding women's experiences and struggles, as well as the need for continued advocacy and support for women's rights and empowerment.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking exploration of women's resistance against state, communal, and gender power structures in the Middle East and Europe. Through a transnational approach, it sheds light on the multifaceted expressions of gender agency within contemporary Islamic movements, highlighting the central role of women in redefining sectarian and gender power relations. The book provides valuable insights into the complexities of women's lives and experiences, and its findings have the potential to inform policy and practice aimed at promoting gender equality and social justice.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316516492