essay
Sources of female power in Iran
in the eye of the storm : women in post-revolutionary iran • London • Published In 1994 • Pages: 151-167, 214-216
By: Friedl, Erika.
Abstract
In this paper, Friedl argues that in spite of women's subordinate position in Iranian society, they are able to derive some power to effect change in their lives and those of others. Following a dialectic logic, Friedl shows how women counter the dominating discourse to access and use power. This power potential of women is discussed in four contexts: household, work, religion and government. By being a super housekeeper, a woman brings prestige to the household, makes family members dependent on her services, and gives her control of household resources. As a wage earner, women have the additional advantage of controlling their own money to assert their priorities. Women can use piety as a manipulative strategy, as well, such as gaining a job promotion. Mothers of martyrs, successful pilgrims, and descendents of the Prophet all carry respect and are a source of potential power. Even in sex-segregated schools, Friedl sees women having more opportunity to express themselves, develop confidence in their knowledge, and practice leadership skills.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- Middle East
- Sub Region
- Middle East
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2005
- Field Date
- 1965-1992
- Coverage Date
- 1965-1992
- Coverage Place
- Iran
- Notes
- Erika Friedl
- Includes bibliographical references
- LCCN
- 93049077
- LCSH
- Iranians