Synopses & Reviews
Through photographs and detailed case histories, Unni Wikan explores the strict segregation of women, the wearing of the
burqa mask, the elaborate nuptial rituals, and the graceful quality of Oman's social relations.
"Wikan does provide insights into the real position of these secluded and segregated women. . . . All this is interesting and valuable."and#8212;Ahdaf Soueif, Times Literary Supplement
"The book is detailed, insightful, and . . . engrossing. Anyone interested in the day-to-day triumphs and sorrows of women who live 'behind the veil' will want to read this account."and#8212;Arab Book World
"Wikan, a fine ethnographer, has an eye for everything that is distinctive about the culture and . . . builds up a wholly convincing picture. Above all, there is a sustained attempt to penetrate the inner lives of these strangely serene people."and#8212;Frank H. Stewart, Wilson Quarterly
"This book will certainly be of interest to all scholars concerned with sexual identity in the Islamic world."and#8212;Henry Munson, American Anthropologist
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 305-307) and index.
About the Author
Unni Wikan is professor of social anthropology at the University of Oslo, Norway, andand#160;the author of numerous books. She has also taught at Harvard University, Beersheba University, L'and#233;cole des hautes and#233;tudes en sciences sociales, and the London School of Economics. In 2004 she received the Norwegian Fritt Ord Award for "her insightful, openhearted and challenging contributions to the public debate on the value conflicts in multicultural societies."and#160;She is a member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
A Note on Transliteration
Part I
1. Introduction: Finding Our Way
2. Sohar: The First Exotic Glimpse
3. The Town and Its People
Part II
4. Segregation of the Sexes: Concept and Practice
5. Socialization to the Practice of Segregation
6. The Burqa Facial Mask
7. Women's World
8. Honor and Self-realization
9. The Xanith: A Third Gender Role?
Part III
10. Diverse Interests in Marriage Establishment
11. The Bride Should Be a Virgin, the Groom Should Be a Man
12. The Visit of an Undutiful Daughter
13. Portrait of a Marriage
14. Role-realization in Marriage
Appendix: A Framework for the Analysis
References
Index