Performing Islam Gender & Ritual in Iran

"Performing Islam" describes and analyses a wide range of ritual activities marking, at times starkly contrasting, religious anniversaries and life course events in Iran today. Arguing that ritual performances in Iran are powerful forums where ideas develop, and where rules, symbols and discourses are contested, the volume elucidates social, cultural and political processes, but in particular the values and beliefs underpinning gender constructions in a rapidly changing complex society. Examining the ambiguous and metaphorical language of the rituals, the study reveals how gender ideologies are projected and renewed, but also challenged, destabilized and ridiculed, providing possibilities of self-expression, innovation and incremental change in the gender constructs. Central to the analyses are questions about the dynamics of gender performance as products of power and politics not simply of meaning or culture.