Hazel Haddon

Abstract

This thesis attempts to analyze the role that class plays in determining attitudes to gender among upper middle class Egyptian Copts. Through fieldwork, it explores the relationship between class, religion and gender in the lives of upper middle class Christian women. It argues that members of the upper middle class share a common â class cultureâ and have access to â cosmpolitan capitalâ which is constituted largely in social, cultural, educational and linguistic terms, and which sets them apart from the broader middle class. A distinctive class culture is produced through gender ideologies (described using terms such as â open mindedâ and â educatedâ ) that distinguish the upper middle class from other socio-economic groups which enforce different gender norms. This class culture and the resources provided by cosmopolitan capital allow upper middle class Coptic women to selectively reinterpret some elements of mainstream Coptic Orthodox teaching on gender issues, particularly teachings that are not compatible with the kind of gender norms practiced within the upper middle class (for example, mixed gender friendships, and romantic relationships prior to engagement). These selective reinterpretations of gender norms are not rigorously policed by clerical authorities; but other areas of contestation between lay elites and church authorities do provoke reactions, particularly the struggles over divorce rights. Upper middle class Coptic women use gendered symbols (womenâ s dress, gender segregation etc.) to define the boundaries of their class and locate others in a particular class framework, showing that ideas about gender remain central to contesting and defining group identities.

Department

Middle East Studies Center

Degree Name

MA in Middle East Studies

Graduation Date

2-1-2012

Submission Date

December 2012

First Advisor

Altorki, Soraya

Committee Member 1

Rieker, Marti

Committee Member 2

Barsoum, Ghada

Extent

92 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Christians -- Egypt.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Copts -- Egypt.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

Comments

Funded by a Study Abroad Studentship from the Leverhulme Trust.

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