Women in Kuwait The Politics of Gender

Women in Kuwait: The Politics of Gender

Haya al-Mughni

A unique portrait of Kuwaiti women, Women in Kuwait discusses a wide range of issues: the impact of the oil era; the growth of the state; the emergence of women’s organizations in a male-dominated society; the recent Islamic revival; and the future prospects for women’s participation in Kuwaiti society.

Based on first-hand research and an extensive analysis, this revised and updated edition includes a new introduction as well as two new chapters on feminist activism during and following the Gulf war, the nature of the relationship between women and the state, the role of gender in Islamism and cultural politics.

The author concludes that the enfranchisement of women presents a significant challenge to Kuwait’s traditional system of politics and tribe; and that granting Kuwaiti women the vote in the present context, is paradoxically more likely to strengthen, rather than weaken, state control over domestic politics.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)

Haya al-Mughni earned her Ph.D in Sociology from the University of Exeter in Great Britain in 1990. She has since worked in various research institutions in Kuwait as an independent scholar. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on women and gender politics in Kuwait.

REVIEWS

‘This very interesting book is one that anyone (and lately that seems to be just about everyone) interested in civil society should take a look at.’ Jill Crystal, Auburn University

‘A theoretically informed book … sophisticated analysis by an author intimately familiar with Kuwaiti politics, culture and society.’ CHOICE

Language: English
ISBN: 9780863563584
2001, paperback, 220 pages, 13.5 x 21.6

Subject: Cultural Studies, Gender Studies