Gendering Death: A Study of Oppressive Stereotypes Underlying Muslim Funeral and Burial Rituals in Egypt

Article


Tolba, H. 2022. Gendering Death: A Study of Oppressive Stereotypes Underlying Muslim Funeral and Burial Rituals in Egypt. Rowaq Arabi. 27 (2), pp. 63-76. https://doi.org/10.53833/FLTW8628
AuthorsTolba, H.
Abstract

This research explores how Muslim funeral and burial rituals in Egypt are shaped by gender stereotypes and socio-cultural norms that predispose masculinity and femininity. It examines the experience of research participants in the context of these gendered rituals and how it affects their participation in them. I adopt a qualitative methodology using personal narrative and auto-ethnography. Analysing physical and emotional experiences, I assess how the regulation of female bodies impacts women participants’ understanding of their bodies. Gender stereotypes, such as the association of women with irrationality, are scrutinised in regards to how they influence ritual and ceremonial practices – such as sex segregation – and in turn affect the emotional experiences of participant women. Furthermore, I address the performativity of masculinity imposed by the ceremonies and assert that Muslim burial and funeral rituals are a norm, a form of power demarcated by gender stereotypes. The gendered nature of the rituals shapes our experiences as males and females, rendering it unequal.

KeywordsIslam and Gender; Performativity; Religious Rituals; Funeral Rituals; Egypt
JournalRowaq Arabi
Journal citation27 (2), pp. 63-76
ISSN2788-8037
Year2022
PublisherCairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Anyone
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.53833/FLTW8628
Web address (URL)https://rowaq.cihrs.org/gendering-death-a-study-of-oppressive-stereotypes-underlying-muslim-funeral-and-burial-rituals-in-egypt/?lang=en
Publication dates
Online25 Oct 2022
Publication process dates
Submitted29 Aug 2022
Deposited10 Nov 2022
Copyright holder© 2022 Rowaq Arabi
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