Qatari Women in tracing gender and modernity

In the context of gender and modernity in Qatar and beyond, the two articles, "Gender and Nation Building in Qatar: Qatari Women Negotiate Modernity" by Alainna Liloia and "The Romance of Resistance: Tracing transformations of power through Bedouin women" by Lila Abu-Lughod, offer valuable insights into the experiences and roles of women in the evolving landscape of contemporary societies. The article "Gender and Nation Building in Qatar: Qatari Women Negotiate Modernity" focuses on Qatari women and their negotiation of modernity. The author, Abu-Lughod, conducted interviews with 40 women aged 26-45, shedding light on their interactions with modernity in their everyday lives and what it means to be a "Qatari" woman in this rapidly changing society. In "The Romance of Resistance: Tracing transformations of power through Bedouin women," the author delves into the lives of Bedouin women living on the outskirts of Alexandria in Egypt. These women are depicted as actively challenging patriarchy and resisting the oppressive masculinity of the dominant tribes. The article explores various themes, including sexual segregation, resistance to marriage, and the art of storytelling. These articles provide valuable perspectives on the complex dynamics of gender, modernity, and the roles women play in societies undergoing profound transformations. Understanding these narratives is crucial to gaining insights into how women contribute to shaping contemporary societies and challenging traditional power structures.

Alainna Liloia's article "Gender and Nation Building in Qatar" provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving role of Qatari women in the nation-building process. Liloia argues that Qatari women have played a crucial part in shaping the national identity and modernization of the country. She employs ethnographic research methods to investigate the lives of Qatari women, their participation in various sectors, and their contributions to the country's development. Liloia's work showcases how Qatari women have successfully navigated traditional gender roles to take active roles in education, business, and government. They have proven instrumental in advancing the nation's goals, particularly in the educational sector, where women have become a driving force in Qatar's pursuit of knowledge and modernization. Liloia's research emphasizes the significance of women's engagement in building Qatar's national identity and, by extension, its modernity.

Lila Abu Lughod's "The Romance of Resistance" offers an alternative perspective on gender and resistance. Abu Lughod focuses on the realm of poetry and storytelling, illustrating how Bedouin women use these mediums to resist dominant narratives and exercise agency. She argues that the Bedouin women's resistance is subtle yet profound, enabling them to challenge stereotypical perceptions of women in Bedouin society. Abu Lughod's research reveals the intricate ways in which Bedouin women employ poetry and storytelling to navigate the changing landscape of gender and modernity. Through their narratives, they articulate their concerns, aspirations, and experiences, providing a unique insight into the complexities of Bedouin society. Abu Lughod's work underscores the importance of cultural expression as a form of resistance, challenging preconceived notions of Bedouin women as passive participants in the process of modernization.

Before delving into the articles, it is vital to establish the meanings of gender and modernity within the Qatari context. Modernity, in this context, signifies the multifaceted transformation of traditional societies, including political, economic, and social changes that emerge with globalization and modernization. This also refers to Qatar's rapidly growing environment differing modernity to most. Gender, on the other hand, is a social construct that refers to the roles, behaviours, and expectations associated with being male or female in a given society. In Qatar, the intersection of these two concepts is a subject of growing academic interest due to the rapid societal changes. In this paper, I will be looking at three key themes mentioned above, segregation, marriage and story telling.

The theme of segregation is a complex one, and its impact on women varies based on cultural and societal contexts. In "The Romance of Resistance," Abu Lughod points out the power of segregation in empowering Bedouin women, as it allows them to maintain hidden spaces where they can share secrets and support one another. This perspective highlights that segregation isn't a one-size-fits-all concept; it can have both empowering and restrictive elements. However, the article on Qatari women and modernity argues that segregation can also serve to limit women's access to political, economic, and legal spaces. It can create gendered divisions that reinforce traditional gender roles. The contrasting views on segregation underscore the complexity of this topic and how it can have different implications for women based on their specific circumstances.

Marriage is a crucial aspect of the lives of Qatari women, and the struggle to balance work and domestic responsibilities is a central theme. As women enter the workforce, they face the challenge of juggling their careers with their roles as wives and mothers. The introduction of women into the workplace has provided financial independence for many, especially divorced mothers who need income to support their children. This financial independence empowers women and allows them to take control of their lives. In the romance of resistance article, the author describes how the control of marriages of often intersected by the elder females of the family, more than often over riding the male’s ideology of who the women marry.

Storytelling and verbal communication are significant tools of resistance and empowerment for women. In "The Romance of Resistance," Abu Lughod highlights how Bedouin women use cultural expression, such as storytelling and poetry, to resist dominant narratives and voice their experiences. This form of resistance challenges preconceived notions of women's passivity in the face of societal changes. Sharing their experiences not only provides emotional support but also raises awareness of women's lives, both in domestic and public spheres. The author also describes how telling joke through poetry that often mocks the men in the family household, leading to this feeling of self-empowerment within these women.

The modernity of storytelling is an interesting dimension to explore. While storytelling and oral traditions have been a part of Qatari culture for centuries, their adaptation to the changing times and evolving societal norms reflects modernity. These stories, often passed down through generations, are evolving to include contemporary issues and experiences, making them relevant in the modern context.

Comparing and contrasting the findings and perspectives of both articles provides a holistic view of the roles and contributions of Qatari women. While Liloia's research emphasizes their participation in formal institutions, Abu Lughod's work delves into the world of cultural expression. These dual perspectives contribute to a nuanced understanding of how Qatari women are not passive recipients of modernity but active agents in shaping it. The two articles, in their distinct ways, reveal the multifaceted role of Arab women in redefining gender norms within the context of modernity. They are both contributors to and beneficiaries of the evolving Qatari society. Liloia's research highlights the instrumental roles played by Qatari women in education and the workplace, offering an image of empowered women who are pivotal in shaping modern Qatar.

Abu Lughod, on the other hand, emphasizes the subtler yet significant forms of resistance exercised through storytelling and poetry and most importantly solidarity between this community. The implications of the findings in these articles extend beyond the academic realm. They provide insights into the broader societal changes taking place in Qatar. The active involvement of Qatari women in education and the workplace is an embodiment of women's empowerment. This transformation of gender roles, while challenging traditional norms, has contributed to the country's progress. Furthermore, the resistance of Qatari women through cultural expression exemplifies their ability to challenge stereotypes and voice their experiences. By doing so, they are not only participating in the construction of modernity but also encouraging a more inclusive and diverse society.

The examination of Alainna Liloia's "Gender and Nation Building in Qatar" and Lila Abu Lughod's "The Romance of Resistance" underscores the dynamic roles of Qatari women in shaping and challenging gender norms within the context of modernity. These two articles provide complementary perspectives that together present a multifaceted picture of Qatari women's contributions and experiences. As Qatar continues to evolve, the agency of its women is central to understanding its ongoing journey into modernity.