Women and Revivalism in the West: Choosing Fundamentalism in a Liberal Democracy (Women's Studies at York Series)

Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. I am grateful to the ESRC for providing me with a scholarship without which the research, which forms the basis of this book, could never have been carried out. I wish sincerely to thank all the participants in this study for their generosity in sharing their knowledge and experiences and, frequently, their hospitality. To protect their anonymity, all names used in the text are fictitious. I am indebted to religious scholars, both Muslim and Christian, who have offered their advice, help and guidance and to religious leaders for their invaluable time and help. Special thanks are due to Neal Robinson for igniting my interest in Islam and for encouraging me to go on to do research. I am grateful to Mary Maynard, Anne Ackroyd and Kim Knott for their help and suggestions. I am indebted to Julie Reichert and Kristin Aune for their input. Unrivalled gratitude goes to Haleh Afshar for her unstinting advice and support and for being there during the difficult times. Any inaccuracies or misrepresentations are attributable to none of these persons but to me. A special thank you to Non Franks and to Phil Cutler for their encouragement at all stages of this study and for their belief in me. xi Given that Protestant and Islamist or 'fundamentalist' paths are generally considered by to be oppressive to women the writer takes a sociological perspective to explore whether there are ways in which women might also empower themselves though revivalist or 'fundamentalist' traditions. This is a comparative study based on interviews carried out with Islamists and Christians both in the UK and the USA. The book also explores the roots of 'fundamentalisms' and the basis for gendered beliefs within the traditions, the costs and benefits of wearing hijab.

Why do some Western women choose to join Christian and Islamic revivalist movements in the present day? Revivalist religions (often called fundamentalist) have a reputation for the policing of gender boundaries and roles and the blanket subjugation of women. This study aims particularly to establish what the attractions might be for women who choose to swim against the prevailing consumerist current and affiliate themselves with such groups in a liberal democracy.

Front Matter....Pages i-xi Introduction....Pages 1-7 Revivalisms and Feminisms....Pages 9-35 Reflexive Methodology....Pages 37-76 Marriage, Obedience and Feminine Submission....Pages 77-101 Rights and Responsibilities....Pages 103-126 Modesty Codes and the Veil....Pages 127-157 Empowerment through Revivalisms: Some Gains and Losses....Pages 159-184 Conclusion....Pages 185-187 Back Matter....Pages 189-216