中東研究における女性身体の処遇 : 「交渉」を鍵とした研究動向分析

概要

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In Middle Eastern studies, female bodies̶especially the physical and symbolic absence of the female body from public sphere̶have attracted special attention as a sign of the region's particularity. However, as indicated by the great number of veiled women with full makeup who can be seen on the streets in contemporary Cairo, the simple dichotomies of revealing/covered, Western/Eastern, or modern/traditional no longer apply. To seek an appropriate framework that illustrates female bodies, this paper examines (1) two crucial works that traced local perceptions of female bodies in Islamic ideologies and the tribal system, and (2) recent ethnographies of the region with regard to female bodies, particularly that of Egypt, by shedding light on “negotiation” as a key analytical concept. This concept was found to be particularly useful for illustrating actors’ agencies and diversities, to counter the stereotypical view. Through the discussion, a common problem became apparent in the studies̶ the bias of viewing female bodies by only considering their sexual organs or functions. To avoid reproducing such a stereotypical view, one needs to be aware of the bias and its constructive nature in not only local perceptions but also academic perceptions.
2010-03-31