The Politics of Gender Segregation in Iran: A Deep-Rooted Divide

Gender segregation is a widespread practice in Iran, with women and men separated in many aspects of public life, including education, employment, and healthcare. This practice has a long and complex history, rooted in both religious and cultural factors. While there have been some efforts to reform gender segregation in recent years, it remains a deeply ingrained part of Iranian society.

Women in Place: The Politics of Gender Segregation in Iran

by George Tsebelis

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Language	:	English
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Religious Influences

Islam, the dominant religion in Iran, has played a significant role in shaping gender segregation. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, contains several verses that encourage modesty and separation between men and women. For example, verse 31 of Surah Al-Nur states: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornment except that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their fathers' fathers, or their sons, or their sons' sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigor, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment." This verse has been interpreted by some scholars as a justification for gender segregation.

In addition to the Quran, the hadith, or sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, also contain several references to gender segregation. For example, one hadith states: "The best of your women are those who are most chaste, who guard their private parts, and who obey their husbands." This hadith has been used to justify the practice of purdah, or the seclusion of women from public view.

Cultural Influences

In addition to religious factors, cultural factors have also played a role in shaping gender segregation in Iran. The traditional Iranian culture emphasizes the importance of family and community, and women have traditionally been seen as the guardians of the family's honor. As a result, women have often been expected to stay at home and care for the children, while men have been expected to go out and work.

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 further reinforced gender segregation. The new Islamic government implemented a number of policies that restricted women's rights, including the mandatory wearing of the hijab, or headscarf, in public. The government also segregated universities and workplaces, and women were banned from holding certain jobs, such as judges and soldiers.

The Impact of Gender Segregation

Gender segregation has a significant impact on the lives of Iranian women and men. Women are often denied access to education and employment opportunities, and they are more likely to experience poverty and violence. Men, on the other hand, often have more freedom and opportunity, but they may also feel pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.

Gender segregation also has a negative impact on Iranian society as a whole. It limits the potential of women and men, and it creates a climate of fear and distrust between the sexes.

Reforming Gender Segregation

There have been some efforts to reform gender segregation in Iran in recent years. In 2006, the government passed a law that allowed women to run for president. In 2016, the government announced that it would allow women to attend sporting events. And in 2017, the government announced that it would allow women to drive.

However, these reforms have been met with resistance from conservative elements in Iranian society. In 2009, the government banned women from attending sporting events, and in 2012, the government banned women from driving.

Despite the challenges, there is a growing movement in Iran to reform gender segregation. This movement is led by women's rights activists, who are working to challenge traditional gender roles and to promote equality for women and men.

Gender segregation is a complex issue with a long and controversial history in Iran. It is rooted in both religious and cultural factors, and it has a significant impact on the lives of Iranian women and men. While there have been some efforts to reform gender segregation in recent years, it remains a deeply ingrained part of Iranian society. However, there is a growing movement in Iran to challenge traditional gender roles and to promote equality for women and men. It remains to be seen whether this movement will be successful, but it is a sign that change is possible.

References

• Al-Qur'an al-Karim (The Holy Quran)
• Sahih al-Bukhari (The Authentic Hadith Collection of al-Bukhari)
• Abrahamian, Ervand. Iran Between Two Revolutions. Princeton University Press, 1982.
• Afkhami, Mahnaz. The Modernization of Women in Iran. Syracuse University Press, 1994.
• Haeri, Shahla. The Politics of Gender Segregation in Iran. Syracuse University Press, 2014.

Women in Place: The Politics of Gender Segregation in Iran

by George Tsebelis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1030 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	174 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE