Constructions of Islam, Gender and the Veil

Abstract

The chapter examines historical and contemporary discourses of the veil and considers the wider implications of this framework for veiled Muslim women in the West. In colonial times the veil was seen as a symbol of gender oppression in Islam as well as a sign of exoticism. Within this paradigm, the ‘liberation’ of veiled Muslim women became fused with the motivations of imperial expansion. In a post-9/11 climate, popular perceptions of the veil suggest that it is a symbol of Islamist extremism and segregation as well as a sign of gender inequality. As such, the chapter demonstrates that the veil has been — and continues to be — perceived as a symbol of Muslim ‘otherness’ and its visibility is key to constructing stereotypes which identify it as a marker of Muslim ‘difference’. The chapter then offers a discussion of legal restrictions upon the wearing of the veil in public places in Europe, and argues that perceptions of veiled Muslim women as either oppressed or acting on behalf of a ‘terrorist religion’ potentially legitimise public acts of violence towards veil wearers. Even if not explicitly inciting hate-motivated violence, popular stereotypes contribute to a climate of intolerance towards veiled Muslim women and to mounting tensions between Islam and the West.