Women In Kuwait: The Politics of Gender [Hardcover]

Haya al-Mughni (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0863561993 | ISBN-13: 978-0863561993 | Edition: 1st

The enfranchisement of women presents a significant challenge to Kuwait’s traditional system of politics and tribe. This step in the democratization process is, however, more likely to strengthen, rather than weaken, state control over domestic politics. Based on first-hand research and an extensive analysis spanning three decades, this book demonstrates how the relationship between women and the state has come to shape Kuwaiti society and national politics.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The author, a Kuwaiti sociologist, has used field research as well as an extensive array of scholarly materials in both English and Arabic to present a disturbing analysis of the situation of women in contemporary Kuwait. Examining the various factors that affect women's lives--class, family, state, Islamic revival, and Western feminism--she concludes that Kuwaiti women are partly responsible for their own second-class status. She analyzes in detail the various women's organizations formed since the 1960s and faults them for failing to unite in a common cause. Class-based women's organizations have no desire to change the roles of women, she argues, but have perpetuated the belief that women are biologically different from men, with their own specific needs and duties. This is a provocative book that poses some important questions worthy of further consideration. Of value to those interested in both women's studies and the contemporary Middle East.
- Marie Marmo Mullaney, Caldwell Libs., DuBois, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

'A theoretically informed book . . . sophisticated analysis by an author intimately familiar with Kuwaiti politics, culture and society.' --Choice

'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

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 174 pages
• Publisher: Saqi Books; 1st edition (August 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863561993
• ISBN-13: 978-0863561993
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,087,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Book which speaks about a different Culture!, February 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Women In Kuwait: The Politics of Gender (Hardcover)

Well when I to the bookshop, this was one of the last ones left on the shelf. So I thought if this book is that good, it might as well be worth reading. So, I read it and I really think it is an interesting book which teaches you about a different way women live in another country. If you like learning about different cultures I think it is worth reading. Don't think because it is about Politics and Gender it might be boring. I also visited Kuwait and think it is a beautiful country. However, I gave it a four because there just some little boring parts and I mean a page or two only not much.