When gender turns right: racializing Islam and femonationalism in online political discourses in Belgium

Abstract: In Flanders-Belgium, a Belgo-Iranian politician has gained nation-wide attention for her critique of Islam. Safai’s political discourses are built around her opposition to the violation of women’s rights in Iran, and to the hijab as a political-patriarchal symbol. Through this latter opposition, she has gained prominence among Flemish nationalists. The emphasis in Safai’s discourses […]

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Politics of Non-Motherhood in Shi’a Islam: Imagery and Narratives around Lady Fatemeh-Masoumeh of Qom

Abstract: Religion can be a source of both pressure and empowerment for mothers. It is sometimes speculated that Muslims have more negative attitudes toward childlessness, as Islam values and encourages procreation. Islam also has associated Muslim women’s social position with motherhood. Motherhood is frequently mentioned in connection to birth-giving, breastfeeding, and caring for the children […]

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