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WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST: TRADITION AND CHANGE ...the Middle East and North Africa, a region of striking contrasts where women's lives reveal great diversity A far cry from the common stereotype of Middle Eastern women as oppressed and confined, this book illustrates the great variety in women's status and lives throughout the region--from tradition-bound peasants to urban businesswomen, labor organizers, and professionals. The book's framework consists of the typical stages of a woman's life: childhood, school, courtship and marriage, home life, and old age. Other chapters discuss women in the work world, the art and professions, athletics and public life, plus balanced and in-depth discussion of two topics both basic and highly topical: religion and "veiling." Controversial subjects such as domestic violence and FGM, long considered "hush-hush," are also brought into the open, emphasizing efforts by women's organizations to publicize and combat these social problems. New chapters, in this updated edition, discuss women's health issues, women's movements and political activity, and the experience of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. With many photos, the book includes a glossary, recommended reading list, and index. The authors, who are mother and son, have long experience living in the Middle East and North Africa. Awards: WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST received the Middle East Outreach Council's 2003 award for best nonfiction book. The first edition was on the New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list for 1997, 1998, 1999. This book may be ordered from your usual book supplier; from Amideast or AWAIR; or directly from the publisher, at 1-800-621-1115. SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT . . . We often hear that most women in the Middle East are "oppressed." Do you think that's a fair assessment? How would you like to live in a society where family cohesiveness is so important it often overrides other values? In what ways might it be good if American society, like Middle Eastern society, put a lot of emphasis on "honor" and "shame"? If the way the Taliban treated women reflected the way many women in Afghanistan have traditionally lived, should outsiders try to help Afghan women aspire to a very different kind of life? In some countries, women and girls have taken part in political street demonstrations and even violent actions. If you were in their shoes, what would you do? |
