Gender and Middle-East: An Intersectionality Perspective

Abstract

Intersectionality, the relations among different social variables and their interplay, is an inevitable and most employed way of analyzing the gender related issues. We also consider the intersectionality as a great window to new horizons for gender equality aspirations and research. By modifying the more traditional type of intersectional research methodology, we could build up a solid framework for future studies on gender issues particular to the Middle-East. Our goal is to offer a modern model for intersectional studies specific to middle-east, brining onboard different perspectives, usually neglected in mainstream intersectional studies on gender. This model provides a firm ground for psychological questions touching individual as well interpersonal and social dimensions. For this, we concentrate on Iran where the feminist movement is growing fast and there are reasons to believe that it has religious and social texture similar to the rest of the region. We used intersectional methodology as we consider this the most suitable for gender studies. This paper presents a novel model which offers a great unique opportunity to understand the complexity of factors involving the gender issues in a region which is growing fast but still clings to traditions.  We further illustrate how the language plays a role in implementing governmental policy which brings about changes in identity and gender inequality.