Modern Arab Women and Traditional Morality

Abstract

This study uses a descriptive–analytical methodology, based on a postmodern deconstructive feminist approach, to analyze the struggle of modern Arab women fighting against patriarchal biases, violence, and the hypocritical morality system that dominate most tribal Arab societies. Applications for the study are taken from major Arab contemporary novels that continue to create strong independent female characters to expose the misogynistic nature of selected traditional tribal Arab societies. Many of these characters challenge the existing tribal moral codes that incite physical and psychological violence against women who are suspected of violating accepted social and cultural codes of family honor. The study highlights that the existing morality system is biased and unjust, resulting in the continuous subordination and manipulation of women. The analysis also reveals that modern Arab women challenge the hegemony of the long-standing and traditional patriarchal system, fight for an equal distribution of social rights and responsibilities, and reject any form of psychological and physical violence inflicted on women under a misguided masculine system of honor.