palace walk
Patriarchy in simple terms can be defined as a system or government in which men hold the power and status, in comparison to women who are largely excluded. Throughout this assignment, particular attention will be placed upon issues surrounding patriarchal culture and the effects of the British colonial rule. Furthermore, the manners in which patriarchy manifests itself in regards to human relationships and behaviour will also be discussed, as well as the effect of power relations on the ability of people to self-actualise. Examples of two of the characters from within the book ‘Palace Walk’ will be used, in order to assist our understanding further on situations which relate to patriarchy. Other points which will be taken into consideration will focus on the secular and religious challenges faced by Muslim intellectuals, activists and reformers. The views and ideas of Ramadan, Ibrahim, Mahmood and Badran will be looked into and discussed throughout this assignment, alongside other theories/theorists relating to these issues.
Research carried out by Millet (2000) suggested that hierarchy is described as a structure within society, in which women are placed firmly in a subordinate role. The hierarchal rule `proposes that the man possesses more power in comparison to the woman and this suggestion is carried on into the patriarchal system. Lerner (1986) also agrees with the idea that patriarchy refers to the male being in a position of authority. This assumption forms the basis of society and shows how society as a whole places men and women in to roles which they deem accordingly. Work carried out by Millet (2000) implies that men and women are actually socialised into certain roles from early childhood. In regards to boys, the role of playing a figure of ‘leader’ through play association and the influences of other male family members unconsciously places the child in a position of dominance. On the other hand girls are assumed to possess the ability to
Research carried out by Millet (2000) suggested that hierarchy is described as a structure within society, in which women are placed firmly in a subordinate role. The hierarchal rule `proposes that the man possesses more power in comparison to the woman and this suggestion is carried on into the patriarchal system. Lerner (1986) also agrees with the idea that patriarchy refers to the male being in a position of authority. This assumption forms the basis of society and shows how society as a whole places men and women in to roles which they deem accordingly. Work carried out by Millet (2000) implies that men and women are actually socialised into certain roles from early childhood. In regards to boys, the role of playing a figure of ‘leader’ through play association and the influences of other male family members unconsciously places the child in a position of dominance. On the other hand girls are assumed to possess the ability to
Bibliography: Badran, M. (1995) Feminists, Islam and Nation, Gender and the Making of Modern Egypt, Princeton, Princeton University Press Johnson, A Lerner, V (1986) The Creation of Patriarchy. New York, Oxford University Press Mahfouz, N Mahmood, S (1962) Politics of piety: the Islamic revival and the feminist subject, Princeton, Princeton University Press Maslow, A Miller J., Rothenberg, P. (1998) Domination and Subordination; Race, Class and Gender in the United States; An integrated Study, New York, St. Martin’s Press. Millett, K. (2000) Sexual Politics, Urbana, University of Illinois Press Ramadan, T (2004) Ramadan, T (2004) What I believe. New York, Oxford University Press. http://m.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2008/nov/09/islam-women