Title: Neopatriarchy, a theory of distorted change in Arab society /
Authors: Sharabi, Hisham,
Date: 1988
Publisher: Oxford University Press,
Physical description: xi, 196 pages ; 22 cm
Language: English
LC classification: H
Abstract: A central problem common to all developing societies in the Third World is that of transition from patriarchy or traditional culture to secularism and modernity in a world dominated by the rich and industrially advanced countries. Focusing on the region of the Arab world--comprising some two hundred million people and twenty-one sovereign states extending from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf--this book develops a theory of social change that demystifies the setbacks this region has experienced on the road to transformation. Professor Sharabi pinpoints economic, political, social, and cultural changes in the last century that led the Arab world, as well as other developing countries, not to modernity but to neopatriarchy--a modernized form of patriarchy. He shows how authentic change was blocked and distorted forms and practices subsequently came to dominate all aspects of social existence and activity--among them militant religious fundamentalism, an ideology symptomatic of neopatriarchal culture. Presenting itself as the only valid option, Muslim fundamentalism now confronts the elements calling for secularism and democracy in a bitter battle whose outcome is likely to determine the future of the Arab world as well as that of other Muslim societies in Africa and Asia. -- Publisher description.
Contents: Neopatriarchy : concept and reality -- Patriarchy and modernity -- The social formation of neopatriarchy -- The structure and relations of neopatriarchy -- The sociohistorical origins of neopatriarchy -- Neopatriarchy in the age of imperialism -- The neopatriarchal discourse -- Radical criticism of neopatriarchal culture -- The final phase -- What is to be done?
Notes: Includes index.
Subject headings (LCSH): Arab countries--Social conditions.; Patriarchy--Arab countries.; Sex role--Arab countries.; Social change.; Social structure--Arab countries.