Women in the Middle East: Tradition and Change

Discusses the lives of women in the Middle East today including the traditions that shape these lives, the present day religious, social and political realities, and changing expectations.

Grade 6 Up-A fine and timely revision of a title published in 1996. Harik and Marston have produced a remarkable look at the diversity and changes in the lives of contemporary Middle Eastern women. While marriage and family are still very important forces, the authors also discuss women's place in the arts; in public life; and as scholars, athletes, and professionals. "Middle East" is defined as the generally accepted Muslim countries as well as the Northern African countries, an area that includes nearly 300 million people. While this edition retains many of the black-and-white photographs of the original, they effectively enhance the text. Numerous additions include images from the Arab Women's Summit in 2001 and demonstrations held in conjunction with International Women's Day in 2002. A new chapter on health allows for a more complete picture of very different cultural mores and a better explanation of the seldom-understood practice of female circumcision. Another focuses on the ongoing issues concerning Afghanistan and the resulting problems of the aftermath of September 11, 2001. A colorful and inviting new dust jacket along with a well-researched and well-written text combine to make this an important purchase for general readers and student researchers alike.
Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library District, IL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7-12. This revised edition of an important 1996 title includes a new chapter on the women of Afghanistan, as well as updated information on women's health issues, religion, veiling, and politics. As in the first book, the authors make clear that this is just a quick introduction to a vast, complex subject, but they draw on their extensive personal experience in the region, as well as a wide range of documented sources, to show the diversity among countries and within each country. They discuss the Taliban's cruelty, the shockingly widespread use of female genital mutilation in Egypt, and other examples of extreme oppression against women. But they also emphasize the positive bonds of family, culture, and community, as well as the changes that have given women greater autonomy and self-expression and gotten them out of the kitchen and nursery and into the workplace and public life. Whether the subject is education in Iraq or political activism in Palestine, the facts are part of today's headlines. Chapter notes will lead readers to many books, articles, and Web sites for more. Hazel Rochman
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