In recent decades, Islam has enhanced its role as an important social and ideological force in Arab societies. In this context, a central debate concerns the desirable role and position of women, the so-called "woman question." Arab states are no longer alone in defining national community when it comes to gender roles and womanhood: almost everywhere Islamic actors are gaining influence at the expense of secular nationalists. When it comes to the question of women's role and position in society, however, Islamic actors tend to emphasize "female domesticity," questioning women's participation in the work force and thus indirectly questioning the gender ideals of secular Arab nationalism. In Syria too, Islamization has occurred, as is evident from the increased numbers of young muhajabat women, the construction of new mosques and the significant growth in Islamic charity organizations. However, as the statements and practices of the women in this study show, this is not the whole story, for the secular nationalism of the Syrian state has not disappeared. On the contrary, I will argue in this article that the Syrian regime is still successful in mobilizing large sectors of the population with a contemporary and revised version of its secular nationalist ideals of equality and national unity.
Udgivelsesdato: 2008