Gender roles and expectations differ widely across the Middle East, with some countries more egalitarian than others. Understanding the ways in which gender intersects with religion, culture, and politics is essential for analyzing social dynamics in the region.
Gender roles and expectations: This topic explores the cultural norms and expectations that shape gender roles and behaviors in society such as gendered roles in the family, work, and politics.
Patriarchy and male privilege: The patriarchal system of power in Middle Eastern societies, and its effects on women's status and opportunities.
Feminism and women's movements: The development of feminist thinking and activism in the Middle East, including the challenges and achievements of women's movements.
Gender-based violence: The prevalence, causes, and consequences of gender-based violence, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault, honor killings, and female genital mutilation.
Sexuality and sexual orientation: The relationship between gender and sexuality in Middle Eastern societies, including homosexuality and transgender perspectives.
Religion and gender: The impact of religious traditions, interpretations, and practices on gender roles and expectations in society.
Masculinity and femininity: The construction of masculinity and femininity in Middle Eastern societies, including the role of privilege, power, and patriarchy.
Intersectionality: The complexity of identity and how other factors like race, class, and ethnicity overlap with gender identity to shape individual experiences of oppression and privilege.
Women's education and employment: Access and participation in education, training, and employment for women in the Middle East.
Media representation of gender: The portrayal of gender in traditional and new media, including how it influences social attitudes and perceptions about gender roles, norms, and behaviors.
Political participation and representation: The involvement of women and other marginalized groups in politics and leadership roles, including challenges and opportunities for gender equality in the political sphere.
Health and reproductive rights: Access to healthcare services, reproductive health, and reproductive rights for women in Middle Eastern societies.
Family and kinship: The role of family, kinship, and community in shaping gender roles and expectations, and the impact of social change on these traditional institutions.
Migration and gender: The experiences of gender and migration, including how gender identities and norms are affected by migration status and experiences.
Environmental and sustainable development: The relationship between gender, environment, and sustainable development, including the impact of climate change on gender roles and how solutions could be gender-inclusive.