Gender Dynamics in the Middle East

When it comes to the concept of equality in the Middle East and, in particular, speaking to the rights and societal expectations of women and girls compared to that of men, we find a complex web of influencing factors at play. Generally speaking, women and girls in the MENA are viewed and treated in a manner that often encourages submission, meekness, and dependence (on their male counterparts). But why? There are a multitude of factors brewing under the surface. 

First, the Arabic language itself lends influence on women's roles in society by the words used to define and describe them. A prime example of this can be found in different words that mean female-specific body parts and become mechanically linked to describe a woman, with the negative connotation attached of fragility, lack, and opening. These terms have, over time, become a way to belittle women, portray them as lacking, and diminish women in a male-driven, patriarchal society. (Dialmy 2005, 16-17). This use of language, however, is not unique to the MENA. In the United States, there are plenty of English words used, literally meaning female body parts, intended as derogatory or insulting terms connotating weakness, fear, or lack of strength. Children tease each other with sayings like, "You run/hit/throw like a girl," – signifying said child runs/hits/throws poorly or without strength.

Patriarchal society in the MENA and the ideas of what is considered masculine contribute a great deal in turn to the role women are expected to play. As Ghannan (2014) saw firsthand in Egypt, boys are raised with certain strict expectations, and their dominant position in society is pushed on them from the moment of birth. This societal expectation is one of strength, dominance, work, and control over non-masculine "others." In a region dominated by ideas of honor and shame, boys are raised to become men who exert strict control over women. But this control isn't (typically) one born out of cruelty but rather a means of protection. An example of this is in the way a husband treats his wife. A raagil, or genuine husband, is concerned for his wife's safety and reputation (and his honor) and lays certain boundaries as a means of protecting her (Ghannam 2014, 31).

In some ways, Islam plays a vital role in the expectations of women, and in others, it does not. As O'Neil and Bilgin (2013) demonstrate in a study on the impact of Islam on Turkish women's decision to engage in paid work outside the home, women themselves say it is not an influencing factor. However, it is left to be determined what influence Islam's push on women to assume the role of mother, wife, and caretaker plays in their ability to keep up with these expectations and work outside the home at the same time. Regardless, women's participation in the workforce in Turkey is a staggeringly low percentile, having dropped from 72% in 1955 to its current percentage rate in the low 20's (O'Neil and Bilgin 2013, 154, 170). But Islam, the Quran, and the roles Muslim women should play are widely dependent on the lens through which the Quran is viewed and interpreted. For example, if one wants to find a way to interpret a need for the veil, they can find it. If, on the other hand, one wants to find a way to interpret it not requiring the cover, they can find that too.

Given the extent that Islam and tribal allegiances are woven into the fabric of Middle Eastern culture and politics, states and tribal expectations also factor into differences in the societal expectations of men and women. But what about women who have left the MENA and transitioned into a different society with different expectations? White and Hernandez (2013) provide an interesting look into Muslim women in southern California and their views on gender norms and restrictions. What they found is that women themselves have unique and differing perspectives. One woman might think certain elements of Islam are oppressive, while another might not be bothered by them or might feel protected by them (White and Hernandez 2013, 72). One woman might choose to veil out of cultural respect and solidarity, fashion statement, or to provide a level of comfort. In contrast, another may choose not to for just as many reasons. It comes down to the individual and their lens and experiences that shape their decisions and feelings.

While this is not an exhaustive look at all the factors influencing women's rights compared to men in the MENA, it does open a window into elements at play. But what is the future of gender equality in the Middle East? Will Middle Eastern women fight for equality, or are the overwhelming majority content in the way things are? It is curious to wonder what the future holds for women and girls in the Middle East and what role globalization and technology will play. Will more exposure to alternative ways and roles in gender dynamics shift the views and desires of the Middle East, or will it serve to create the desire to protect and sustain the current ways and traditions?

References:

Dialmy, Abdessamad. 2005. “Sexuality in Contemporary Arab Society.”Social Analysis49 (2): 16–33. https://doi.org/10.3167/015597705780886257.

Ghannam, Farha. 2014. Live and Die Like a Man: Gender Dynamics in Urban Egypt. Redwood City, UNITED STATES: Stanford University Press. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/apus/detail.action?docID=1329810.

O’Neil, Mary Lou, and Mehmet Huseyin Bilgin. 2013. “Religion as a Factor Influencing Turkish Women’s Decisions to Work.”Journal of International Women’s Studies; Bridgewater14 (3): 163–73.

White, Theresa Renee, and Jennifer Maria Hernandez. 2013. “Muslim Women and Girls: Searching for Democracy and Self-Expression.”Journal of International Women’s Studies; Bridgewater14 (3): 64–82.