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.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
Notes
The harem was the space in which veiled Muslim women could be uncovered.
In 2006 the comments of Jack Straw, then British Home Secretary, attracted considerable publicity when he stated that the veil is a ‘visible statement of separation and of difference’, and that it can weaken community relations.
French law number 2010–1192 of 11 October 2010.
French law number 2004–228 of 15 March 2004.
YouGov is a research company which is based in the UK.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2014 Irene Zempi and Neil Chakraborti
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Zempi, I., Chakraborti, N. (2014). Constructions of Islam, Gender and the Veil. In: Islamophobia, Victimisation and the Veil. Palgrave Hate Studies. Palgrave Pivot, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137356154_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137356154_2
Publisher Name: Palgrave Pivot, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-47041-9
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-35615-4
eBook Packages: Palgrave Social Sciences CollectionSocial Sciences (R0)