Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewDoris Gray's study shows that Muslim women in Morocco, like those of Moroccan origin in Europe, are far more independently-minded in their relationship with Islam than has often been thought. At a time when Islam's relationship with the West has never been of greater salience, finely nuanced and sophisticated research of this nature is of enormous value. It offers an insightful corrective to those who claim globalization is inexorably polarizing the world into a clash of civilizations. -- Alec Hargreaves, Florida State University
Doris Gray's dialogue with young educated women in Morocco and in France is a heartening example of critical intimacy. Her sensitive analyses of delicate and controversial issues demonstrate that scholarship is not incompatible with a patient and respectful search for a new definition of cultural identity. She shows us just how an individual associated with a given culture cannot not be portrayed as the representative of that culture. -- Mireille Rosello, University of Amsterdam
This book provides an extremely valuable contribution to existing literature and debate not just on Morocco or on women in the Muslim World but also—more crucially—to the ongoing debate about relations between the Muslim world and the so-called 'West.' Through the views of her interviewees, Gray exposes textures, nuances and even some surprises, often missed or glossed over in most conventional treatments of these topics. Engagingly written, the text has an eye for personal details that enrich and give context to the broader narrative and arguments of the book. It is thoroughly recommended for anyone wanting to understand the dynamics of gender in the Muslim world and their place within wider ongoing debates occurring in Europe as well as North Africa and the Middle East about the role of Islam in society. -- Michael J. Willis, St. Antony's College, Oxford University
This text has a great deal to offer to those wishing to understand global Islam. Recommended. * CHOICE, November 2008 *
Gray continuously challenges the assumption that there is a clear dichotomy between the Western and the Muslim worlds....This is an apty-timed study....Muslim Women on the Move gives a voice to young, professional, and educated women in Morocco and of the Moroccan origin in France....This comparative study provides an intimate look at the personal experiences and opinions of women from two vey different countries. * International Journal on World Peace, December 2008 *
Doris Gray gives a voice to the voiceless, producing a timely book that by its scope and depth can serve as a model for other European countries facing the same issues discussed by French women of Moroccan origin. -- Aida Bamia, NEAS Department
Gray makes an important contribution to our understanding of how immigrants and their children conceptualize themselves in France....Gray's work demonstrates the effectiveness of comparative studies tracking Muslim women's experiences in Morocco and France while also setting a course for future research. * H-France Review, February 2009 *
This comparative study allows a better understanding of a specific category of Muslim women and the exploration of the effect of migration on their lives and attitudes. It is also policy-relevant because it gives a voice to women who are often reduced to silence and a passive role in both Morocco and France, and who are the target of increasingly hostile policies in the latter country. * MESA Bulletin *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Introduction Part 2 Part I. Transgressing Boundaries Chapter 3 The Kingdom of the West Chapter 4 The Western Hexagon Chapter 5 Measuring Opinions Chapter 6 Women Chapter 7 Topics of Conversation Chapter 8 Public versus Private Chapter 9 Confidence and Trust Chapter 10 Friendship Chapter 11 Behind the Veil Chapter 12 Language Chapter 13 Rendez-vous Part 14 Part II. The Tar of My Country . . . Chapter 15 Immigration Chapter 16 The Beurs Chapter 17 No Journey Home Chapter 18 Emigration Chapter 19 Change Is Slow Chapter 20 Progressive Conservatives Part 21 Part III. To God Belong the East and the West Chapter 22 Women in Islam Chapter 23 Women as Religious Leaders Chapter 24 Sufism Chapter 25 Islam in France Chapter 26 Laïcité Chapter 27 Morocco: Islam as a State Religion Chapter 28 What Makes a Muslim a Muslim Chapter 29 What Nakes for a Muslim Chapter 30 Reading and Reciting the Qur'an Chapter 31 Ramadan and Prayer Chapter 32 International Exposure Chapter 33 Peace versus Terrorism Chapter 34 Choice Part 35 Part IV. Law of God, Law of Man Chapter 36 Sources of Islamic law Chapter 37 Personal Status Code and the Role of Women Chapter 38 Child Marriage and Concubines Chapter 39 The Guardian (wali) Chapter 40 Polygamy Chapter 41 Upholding Tradition Chapter 42 Law Reform Chapter 43 West of East Chapter 44 Rural-urban Divide Chapter 45 Religious and Social Change Chapter 46 A Step in the Right Direction Chapter 47 Justice and Benevolence Chapter 48 The Moroccan Woman Chapter 49 Law, Culture and Religion Chapter 50 France Unveiled Chapter 51 The Cross and the Crescent Chapter 52 Voices of the She Rebels Chapter 53 Standardizing Laws Part 54 Part V. A journey of a hundred years Chapter 55 Challenges Not Problems Chapter 56 Taking Up the Pen in France Chapter 57 . . . and in Morocco Chapter 58 Key Issues Chapter 59 Entering the Public Sphere Chapter 60 Does my Opinion Matter? Chapter 61 Social Class Chapter 62 Muslim Women as World Leaders Chapter 63 Living Alone Chapter 64 Marriage Chapter 65 Friends Part 66 Part VI. Conclusions Part 67 Appendices Chapter 68 Glossary of Arabic Terms Chapter 69 Glossary of French Terms Chapter 70 List of Participants
