Introduction
Gender inequality is a critical issue within Muslim society. It carries significant impacts in which women and men are viewed in Islamic communities. Although these views are most often inaccurate, the fact that they exist guide the way in which males and females are judged. In this paper, I will reflect on two significant academic readings. The first titled, Honour and Identity by Jasmine Zine (2008) and second, Hotep and Hip-Hop: Can Black Muslim Women Be Down with Hip-Hop? By Anaya Mcmurray (2008). Both readings highlight conflicts between gender identity and religious responsibility in an Islamic context. For centuries, women were kept in total subjugation to patriarchal societies. Therefore, it was considered a ‘natural law’ that women were inferior to men and must submit to the latter’s authority for the smooth running lifestyle. The importance in understanding social construction of gender is critical as it offers a better analysis of social norms. For instance, it allows us to understand why certain stereotypes are targeted towards various groups …show more content…
A great example of how girls and boys perceive gender roles is through academic institutions. In Zine’s reading, she highlights how young Muslim women are subject to teachers’ expectations and what is means to be a ‘true’ and ‘good’ Muslim girl, which is particularly manifested through bodily regulation and dress. Throughout Zine’s (2008) reading, Muslim girls narrated stories of being controlled by teachers and community members both in and outside school. Such surveillance was tied to regulation of their sexuality and can be partially understood through notions of honour and shame (izzat). The concept of izzat and its protection itself implied male superiority. Its essential message was that women needed to be protected and that man was their protector (Zine, 2008.
Gender inequality is a critical issue within Muslim society. It carries significant impacts in which women and men are viewed in Islamic communities. Although these views are most often inaccurate, the fact that they exist guide the way in which males and females are judged. In this paper, I will reflect on two significant academic readings. The first titled, Honour and Identity by Jasmine Zine (2008) and second, Hotep and Hip-Hop: Can Black Muslim Women Be Down with Hip-Hop? By Anaya Mcmurray (2008). Both readings highlight conflicts between gender identity and religious responsibility in an Islamic context. For centuries, women were kept in total subjugation to patriarchal societies. Therefore, it was considered a ‘natural law’ that women were inferior to men and must submit to the latter’s authority for the smooth running lifestyle. The importance in understanding social construction of gender is critical as it offers a better analysis of social norms. For instance, it allows us to understand why certain stereotypes are targeted towards various groups …show more content…
A great example of how girls and boys perceive gender roles is through academic institutions. In Zine’s reading, she highlights how young Muslim women are subject to teachers’ expectations and what is means to be a ‘true’ and ‘good’ Muslim girl, which is particularly manifested through bodily regulation and dress. Throughout Zine’s (2008) reading, Muslim girls narrated stories of being controlled by teachers and community members both in and outside school. Such surveillance was tied to regulation of their sexuality and can be partially understood through notions of honour and shame (izzat). The concept of izzat and its protection itself implied male superiority. Its essential message was that women needed to be protected and that man was their protector (Zine, 2008.