Full Description
First published in 1936, this book surveys the changing place of women across the contemporaneous Muslim world, focusing on several nations where they constitute a demographic majority — Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Palestine, Trans-Jordan, Turkey, Syria — and one where they do not, namely India. It begins by outlining some of the areas of change, for example regarding the veil, purdah and divorce. This is followed by in depth examinations of the progress of female education, their changing economic roles, improving health standards, their widening interests and the pressure for change on Islam in general. This title is would be of interest to students of the sociology of religion and the contemporary position of women in Muslim societies.
Contents
Preface by Bayard dodge; Foreword; List of illustrations; Introduction: The New East; Part One: Frontiers of Social Change; I. Lifting the Veil II. In and Out of Purdah III. Milestones to Progress IV. A Limited Social Life V. The Later Marriage Age VI. Family Life, Old and New VII. Trends concerning Polygamy and Divorce; Part Two: Education — The Key to Progress; VIII. The Educational Awakening in Iraq IX. The Beginning of Girls' Education in Iran X. The Road Ahead in Girls' Education in India XI. New Educational Ideals of Modern Egypt XII. The New Era of Girls' Education in Palestine and Trans-Jordan XIII. Many Influences Promote Girls' Education in Syria XIV. Turkey Achieves Modern Education for Girls; Part Three: The New Economic Role of Moslem Women; XV. Crossing the Threshold of Professional Life XVI. Turkish Women and their New Economic Independence XVII. Moslem Women in Industry — Home and Factory; Part Four: Health Standards Old and New; XVIII. Hazards to Health XIX. The Effect of Social Customs on Health XX. India Seeks Better Health Standards XXI. Iran and Iraq Begin a Public Health Programme XXII. A Modern Health Programme in Syria, Palestine and Trans-Jordan XXIII. A New Health Foundation for National Life in Egypt and Turkey; Part Five: The Widening Sphere of Moslem Women's Interests; XXIV. The Widening Sphere of Moslem Women's Interests; Part Six: The Pressure of Change on Islam To-day; XXV. The Interpretation of Islam in the Arabic World XXVI. Islam and Change in India, Iran and Turkey XXVII. The Voice of Women in Modern Islam; Conclusion: East and West; Appendix: The Principal Koranic Teachings About Women by a Syrian Sheikh; Index
