Feminism in Iran: Genesis and Evolution

Abstract

The growing interest in gender studies, the small number of works about the transformation of the concept of feminism in Iran, insufficient knowledge of the role of Iranian women in the formation of female identity, and the feminine worldview determine the relevance of the issue. The subject of the research is the genesis, evolution and characteristic features of the concept of feminism in Iran, as well as the differences between this concept and the ideology of feminism in Europe and other countries of the Muslim East. In the XX century, the structural and functional foundations of the Iranian society underwent certain transformations, which have revealed the process of a general modernization of the country, proceeding within the framework of a unique model. Changes in ideological dominants took place in the background of penetration into Iran and the development of feminist ideas in the Iranian society. The emancipation of women, their activity in the field of management and decision-making, as well as the legalization of their role in the socio-political life of the country has become a new reality in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Among female political movements, two types of feminism can be distinguished — secular and religious — characterized by different concepts of feminism, higher goals, and social groups of adherents. The ideas of secular feminism match with the liberal direction of this trend: the abolition of the Islamic dress code, the demonstration and maintenance of gender balance in politics, the economy and the social sphere, in other words, giving Iranian women all the fullness of rights. At the same time, special attention is paid to the preservation of the cultural identity of Iranian women, their orientation towards the ideals of Iranian culture, the tendency towards the secularization of the public and individual consciousness of citizens. Iranian religious feminism, called dynamic fiqh or aboriginal feminism, is less radical than Islamic feminism. Its followers strive to raise the status of a Muslim woman through more favorable interpretations of the Quran and hadith for her, as well as writing fatwas — decisions made by a competent theologian on any issue — corresponding to the new realities.

Keywords

• feminism
• women’s movement
• islamic feminism
• secular feminism
• hijab
• iranian culture
• women’s rights
• emancipation
• modernization