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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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 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
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