This book sets out to investigate ways in which women, religion and culture have interacted with each other in the context of 19th and 20th century Iran. It covers topics as seemingly diverse as the social and cultural history of Persian cuisine, the work and attitudes of 19th century Christian missionaries, the impact of growing female literacy on women's lives during the 20th century, and the longer-term consequences of developments since 1979 on the position of women in contemporary Iran. Contributions are tied together by their common aim of seeking to deconstruct notions of the 'Muslim woman' as a homogeneous category, and to challenge the kinds of misconceptions that still persist as far as the experience of women living in Muslim societies in general and Iran in particular is concerned. The book encompasses differences in approach and methodology, and underlines the value of interdisciplinary thinking and exchange. The liveliness and accessibility of its articles, together with their imaginative grasp of the diverse possibilities in studying Iranian women, highlight the way in which the discussion of women's roles in Muslim societies has been expanding recently.
By allowing a wider range of voices than ever to be heard, this collection challenges misconceptions that persist with regard to the experiences of Muslim women, both in Iran and elsewhere. The intended readership encompasses those interested in women in the modern Middle East, in Iran and in women and gender issues more broadly. It is relevant for students both at an undergraduate level and postgraduate students, as well as for readers with a general interest in the topics covered.