Palestinian-Arab Women Research Articles

Understanding body dissatisfaction and preferences among Palestinian-Arab Women in Israel: Westernization and culturally bound factor

Body dissatisfaction, a risk factor for eating disorders, is documented among women in various cultural settings. We focus on prediction of body dissatisfaction among Muslim- Arab women in Israel. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 examined the effect of exposure to cultural cues on body preferences through priming and its interaction with acculturation attitudes. Muslim-Arab female students (N = 113) were randomized to one of two cultural priming conditions (Western vs. Arab) and filled out an acculturation attitudes scale. As expected, women exposed to Western cultural cues preferred thinner figures compared to women exposed to Arab cultural cues. Under Western acculturation attitudes these effects were stronger. Study 2 focused on two culturally bound factors, maturity fear and selflessness, as predictors of body dissatisfaction in two groups. Cultural values were included to investigate the predicting ability of Western and non-Western values. 163 Muslim and 128 Jewish female university students filled out questionnaires. Body dissatisfaction measures were predicted by cultural group, cultural values, maturity fear and selflessness. Results show that body dissatisfaction was linked only to maturity fear among Muslim women, and to selflessness, self-transcendence and self-enhancement values among Jewish women. Taken together the findings point to some protection among Muslim women against Westernization effects on body dissatisfaction, including a null effect of selflessness, and reveal that maturity fear is a consistent predictor of body dissatisfaction among Muslim-Arab women in Israel. The results are discussed in light of the situation of this group in Israel.

Stagnation and De-segregation: The Expansion of Palestinian Arabs Education in Israel

AbstractSince the 1990s, Israel has gone through a significant academic educational expansion. However, the part of the Israeli citizen Palestinian Arab population in this expansion was delayed until the last decade. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of the delayed participation of the Arab population in academic educational expansion. Using age-period-cohort models and labor force surveys from 1995 until 2021, I present the trends in the increasing participation of Palestinian Arabs and Jews in academic education. The results suggest that the primary cause of this increase was a change in gender norms that enabled Palestinian Arab women to engage more fully in educational pursuits. The differences among the Arab population (Muslims, Druze, and Christians) are also discussed.

Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Reducing Exposure to Secondhand Smoke in the Home: A Qualitative Study With Palestinian-Arab Women in Israel.

Smoking is a collective and complex problem in the Palestinian-Arab community in Israel, where women and children are particularly vulnerable to exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), especially in the home. We undertook this study to better understand women's experiences with SHS exposure in the home and to identify pathways for intervention. Using the grounded theory approach, seven focus groups were conducted with 66 women in different localities across Israel. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were applied to recruit women who have currently or previously been exposed to smoking in the home. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were then coded and analyzed using the constant comparison analysis method to identify emergent themes and subthemes. Three core themes emerged from the discussions. These include women's perceptions of smoking among men and exposure to SHS in the home, the implications of smoking on spousal and social relationships, and the women's experiences in coping with this situation and their suggestions for interventions. We identified additional sub-themes, including the consequences to women's and children's health, as well as the complex interaction between smoking in the home and women's social position, agency, and home ownership. Women exposed to SHS in the home experience consequences that affect their health and their spousal and social relationships. They also face several personal and societal challenges in tackling this issue. Culturally tailored interventions targeting both communities and households can raise awareness and impact smoking behaviors in the home. The findings of this study demonstrate the far-reaching consequences of SHS exposure in the home among women who are exposed. The findings contribute to our understanding of smoking contingencies among men and smoking behaviors in the home. This study lays the groundwork for future community and household-based research and interventions. We suggest several critical junctures that may increase response to smoking cessation interventions and to reduce smoking in the home, such as at the time of marriage when the home policy is set, and the adverse effects of exposure on children and other family members, especially those with illness.

“Walking between the raindrops”: The hybrid and Intersecting Identities of Arab women with a PhD in Israel

This study examines Palestinian-Arab women with a PhD in Israel. Arabs represent about one-fifth of the country’s population, and despite significant modernization, Arab society remains largely conservative. The study relies on gender and ethnic identity development theories, as well as intersectionality theory. Based on interviews with Arab women who combine an academic career with family life, the findings highlight the barriers they have overcome, as well as opportunities that have promoted their career. It concludes that despite barriers that impede women’s progress, particularly in conservative societies, Arab women academics have realized their ambitions and become role models.

Violence against Women—The Case of Divorced Palestinian-Arab women in Israel

Abstract Focusing on divorced Palestinian-Arab women in Israel, this study aims to provide a nuanced examination of the different types of violence (physical, mental, and economic) these women experience from their ex-partners or relatives. The study emphasizes the presence in extreme cases of ex-partner violence ending in murder, recontextualizing crimes associated with so-called honor or tradition. The findings are based on interviews with thirty-five divorced women. The study also relies on a secondary analysis of data extrapolated from media surveillance. The findings indicate that a supportive institutional network is necessary to serve as a protective shield for women from minority communities who remain vulnerable when legislation and policy is detached from their civic status and their cultural context.

Perceptions of the 'Proper Family' in Palestinian-Arab Society in Israel as Reflected in Family Members' Drawings

Family lives in Palestinian-Arab society in Israel have undergone considerable changes in recent decades. These changes have made it difficult to understand what is meant by family in everyday life. The aim of the present study is to examine the differences in the perception of the family and the image of “a proper family” through drawings created by Palestinian-Arab women and men in Israel (n=106). This can be analyzed as a prism of discussion regarding how people identify what is expected of families. It also raises the question of “family boundaries” in contemporary Palestinian-Arab society in Israel and what is recognized as family relationships. The drawings’ analysis included a set of questions regarding both the content—the theme of the drawing, main situations, characters, and symbols—and the forms, composition, and colors used. Reading the drawings visually illuminated various perceptions of a family as expressed by the participants. This visual content analysis enhances sociological comprehension about the desirable family life in light of gender relationships, family size, and domestic everyday practices which negotiate the global and the local.

Screening intimate partner violence in the healthcare services during Covid-19 lockdowns in Israel

Abstract Background Studies have shown increased rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Healthcare services (HCS) have an important role in detection and screening of women victims of IPV. These women tend to visit the HCS more frequently, which creates an opportunity to detect, screen, and inform them about relevant support services. Methods We conducted an online survey during Israel's 2nd and 3rd lockdowns (October 2020-February 2021). A self-administrated structured questionnaire was distributed in Arabic and Hebrew via social media. Eligibility criteria included women >18 years old. 519 women completed the questionnaire: Palestinian-Arab=73; non-immigrant Jew=319; and immigrant Jew=127. We asked women whether they were ever screened (ES) for IPV or received information (RI) on support services in the HCS. Results 37.2% of the women reported any IPV; Palestinian-Arab women reported higher rates of IPV (49.3%) compared to non-immigrant Jew (34.2%) and immigrant Jew (37.8%). Prevalence of ES and RI on support services were low among the total study sample (21.8%, 47% respectively). Only 12.1% reported on both (ES and RI). Among women who reported IPV, only 26.9% reported that they had been ES, 39.4% RI, and 13.5% both. Whilst Palestinian-Arab women victims of IPV reported higher ES and a lower RI (30.6%,25% respectively) non-immigrant and immigrant Jew reported the opposite -higher prevalence of RI and less ES (non-immigrant Jew 45%,25.7%. Immigrant Jew 37.5%,27%, respectively). In the multivariate analysis after adjusts, Palestinian-Arab women were less likely to RI regarding support services (OR = 0.33,90%CI=0.19-0.57), while immigrant Jew women had a greater chance to be ES in HCS (OR = 4.29, 90% CI=1.43-12.80). Conclusions To increase IPV detection in the HCS, there is a need for interventions on screening and providing information on support services specifically during emergencies where IPV is likely to increase. Key messages

Maternal respectful care and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among postpartum mothers in Israel

Abstract Background Maternal Respectful Care (MRC) approach was recommended by the WHO for improving maternal birth experience and mental health. We examined the association between MRC and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among postpartum women. Methods A cross-sectional study took place between November 2020 and October 2021. 817 postpartum women (Jewish- 444 Arab-373) were interviewed via Zoom due to Covid-19 limitations. MRC was measured by 26 statements from disrespectful/ abusive care during childbirth in facilities (DACF); 4 statements from the Mother on Respect questionnaire (MOR-feeling mistreatment based on ethno-national background, level of command of the Hebrew language and disagreement with the staff); and 4 statements regarding abuse of the NorVold Abuse Questionnaire (NorAQ). PTSD was measured by Solomon et al.'s tool, and dichotomized into 12 score cutoff. (Yes /No PTSD). Results PTSD prevalence was 14.3%, significantly higher among Palestinian-Arab compared to Jewish women (22.0%,7.9%, respectively), and it was higher in women who had lower MRC scores: did not receive postpartum education (19.9%,11.9 % respectively) received; received midwife support 11.7%,18.4% didn't receive; reported racism 26.1%,11.4% not; Felt humiliated at healthcare services vs. not (16.8% , 10.6%, respectively); women who reported mistreatment based on national/cultural background, compared to others (MOR) (36.6%,13.1%, respectively). In the multivariate analysis after adjusting to different independent variables, Palestinian-Arab women were 6.04 times at risk for PTSD (OR = 6.04,95% CI = 3.38-10.78),Women who reported racism are 2.14 times more likely to PTSD (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.30-3.54). Women who reported feeling humiliated visiting the health care system are 2.08 times more likely to PTSD (OR = 2.08,95% CI = 1.23-3.52). Conclusions MRC is an important factor for maternal PTSD among postpartum women and it should be considered specifically among minority women. Key messages

Barriers to Mental Health Service Use among Palestinian-Arab Women in Israel: Psychological Distress as Moderator.

Background: Many studies indicate that ethnic minority women, including women from the disadvantaged Palestinian-Arab minority in Israel, experience higher rates of psychological distress but are less likely to use mental health services. This study examined psychological distress and its role as a moderator in the relationship between mental health service use and stigma-related, attitudinal, and instrumental barriers. Method: Cross-sectional study of 146 Palestinian-Arab women who completed measures of psychological distress, mental health service use, the Barriers to Care Evaluation scale, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Participants who did not utilize mental health services reported higher levels of all barrier types compared to participants who reported previous use, but lower levels of psychological distress. Psychological distress was a significant moderator only in the relationship between attitudinal barriers and mental health service use. Conclusions: This study highlights the role of psychological distress in the relationship between barriers to and utilization of mental health services, helping professionals and policymakers increase mental health service use among Palestinian-Arab women in Israel and other vulnerable women elsewhere.

The use of clinical impact of the breast cancer intrinsic subtype-Prosigna assay for adjuvant treatment decision in early breast cancer with hormone receptor positive and HER-2 negative Middle East women.

e12527 Background: Clinico-pathological evaluations of intrinsic subtypes by immunohistochemistry (IHC) are routinely used for treatment decision in patients with early-stage breast cancer (EBC). The Prosigna (PAM50) gene signature, is validated test measures the expression levels of 50 genes from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples. It permits intrinsic subtype classification of tumor and prognostic test of risk of recurrence (ROR) score. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of Prosigna results on type of adjuvant treatment in EBC, to overcome disparities by comparing the results on different ethnicity groups in Israel and to asses physicians treatment decision before and after Prosigna results. Methods: This prospective, observational study was carried out in 7 Medical Centers at Northern Israel. Postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative invasive EBC were enrolled. Physicians completed treatment confidence questionnaires prior to and after receiving Prosigna test results. Only EBC : T 1-2, N0 and N1 were included. Results: Between May 2018 and April 2021, 238 women were enrolled, 204 patients are eligible for this analysis. Ashkenazi Jews were 38%, Sephardi Jews 32% and 30% were Palestinian Arab women. Mean age was 65.28 years. T1 was diagnosed in 82.3%, T2 in 17.3% and N1 in 22.4% of pts. At time of diagnosis tumor subtypes were categorized based on IHC as Luminal A in 50%, 54.4%, 59.5% and Luminal B in 50%, 44.6% and 40.5% of Sephardi, Ashkenazi and Arab patients retrospectively. Intrinsic tumor subtypes detected by the Prosigna test were Luminal A in 63.8%, 71%, 74.3% and Luminal B in 34.5% (+1.7% basal like), 29% and 25.7% respectively. No significant different between these groups. Overall 50.5% of pts were low risk, 26% intermediate risk and 23.5% high risk due to Prosigna results. Following Prosigna results 23.4% of the physicians changed their treatment recommendation. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first study using Prosigna test in Middle East women with early breast cancer. The use of Prosigna results led to a 23.4% change in adjuvant treatment decision. The results of this prospective study is similar to the data published in other studies in the literature. The intrinsic tumor subtypes and risk of recurrence detected by Prosigna adds to the physicians' confidence in the choice of treatment type. Prosigna test was additive for understanding the biology and for adjuvant treatment choice in both Jewish and Palestinian women in Israel.

Mechanisms for racial separation and inequitable maternal care in hospital maternity wards

Few studies have examined mechanisms of racial maternal separation (RMS) of birthing mothers in hospital maternity wards (MWs), and how separation might reinforce institutional healthcare racism and discrimination, leading to inequitable maternal care (MC). In Israel, while birth mothers report mostly pleasant experiences, RMS has become a matter of public debate. Although the Ministry of Health (MoH) condemns the practice, birthing Palestinian-Arab women have sued hospitals for discrimination after being assigned to separate MW rooms from other women. We drew on critical race theory (CRT) and intersectionality to uncover mechanisms for RMS and inequitable MC in hospital MWs at three levels—policy, practice, and women's experiences. In 2019–2020 we conducted 10 in-depth interviews with hospital directors (HDs) and 8 focus groups (FGs) with 40 midwives and nurses; then, in 2020–2021, we held 26 in-depth Zoom interviews with birthing women. Our findings reveal intersecting mechanisms for RMS through which structural racism and institutional discrimination outside hospitals in the form of ethno-racial residential segregation penetrate hospitals via women's requests to maintain separation in MWs. While all HDs opposed RMS and prized quality care, they instituted insufficient mechanisms to prohibit racial separation, which helped to institutionalize the practice. Commodification of Healthcare services (HCS) accelerates RMS as hospitals compete for funds derived from birthing mothers' care. Under the guise of cultural sensitivity and indirect pressure of hospital management, nursing staff comply with requests for RMS. Nurses assigned rooms based on stereotypical categorizations of women's group membership (ethno-national, religiosity level, class). RMS targeted mostly visibly religious Muslim Palestinian-Arab women. These mothers felt MC discrimination; others normalized RMS as preference. While the MoH cannot eliminate outside-hospital structural discrimination, more efforts should be made to eradicate inside-hospital RMS, as the practice violates the principle of universality enshrined in the National Health Insurance Law.

Transitions in the meaning of belonging: the struggle for enhanced access to resources among Palestinian-Arab women in Israel

ABSTRACT Discussions of the relatively low rate of labor market participation of Palestinian-Arab women in Israel often underline social control as compelling women to find employment in their residence area. Such discussions tend to assume women's cooperation with their communities without taking into account the range of possible negotiated positions which women take in order to enhance access to resources in the complex context of institutional racism, narrow opportunity base, and social control. Here we direct attention to Palestinian-Arab women with higher education, asking how they negotiate their belonging to different circles. We apply three theoretical processes of negotiating belonging proposed by Anthias. Each of these struggles presents specific barriers to women's occupations and their willingness to break gender, spatial, and occupational boundaries, increase their accessibility to employment opportunities in pursuit of quality jobs, establish financial independence, and evade social control in the communities of origin or remain dependent on it.

Residential segregation, neighborhood violence and disorder, and inequalities in anxiety among Jewish and Palestinian-Arab perinatal women in Israel

BackgroundResidential segregation can foster health inequality mechanisms by increasing stress related to neighborhood violence and disorder.AimsWe studied the association between neighborhood violence and disorder and inequalities in anxiety between two groups of perinatal Israeli women (Jewish, Palestinian-Arab) living in ethno-nationally segregated neighborhoods, and explored the influence of neighborhood characteristics; social support and chronic stress to this inequality.MethodsWe linked survey data on neighborhood violence and disorder, neighborhood social characteristics (collective efficacy, social capital and social support) and aggregate discrimination to neighborhood SES census data. The survey data was obtained from the “Family Relations, Violence and Health” study (2014–2015) and included a stratified national sample of women (Palestinian-Arab = 436, Jewish = 965) residing in 63 segregated neighborhoods. We conducted multi-variable logistic regression analysis for anxiety (measured based on State-trait Anxiety Inventory) using generalized estimating equation (GEE) to estimate odds ratios of the association with neighborhood violence and disorder (total score for 10 problems) while considering neighborhood characteristics (SES; social characteristics; aggregate discrimination), social support and chronic stress in different models for the total sample, and separately for Palestinian-Arab and Jewish women.ResultsPalestinian-Arab women had higher anxiety (60.5% vs. 42.1%, respectively) and higher severity of neighborhood violence and disorder (49.5% vs. 16.2%, respectively) compared to Jewish women. After considering individual and neighborhood variables, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.63, 1.04–2.56. The association between neighborhood violence and disorder and anxiety was significant for low vs. no problems in the final model for the total sample (AOR, 95%CI = 1.28, 1.00–1.64). Similarly, significant association was found only for low severity vs. no problems for Jewish women (1.40, 1.07–1.86). While among Palestinian-Arab women the association between neighborhood violence and disorder and anxiety rendered insignificant in the final model. Neighborhood social cohesion and social support were protective factors from anxiety in both groups, high neighborhood SES was protective factor only among Jewish women, and neighborhood aggregate discrimination was a risk factor only in Palestinian-Arab women.ConclusionsInequalities in anxiety related to neighborhood violence and disorder in ethno-national perinatal groups of women likely reflect residential segregation. Policies entrenching segregation might have affected neighborhood mechanisms (SES inequalities, aggregate discrimination and low social cohesion) that lead to higher stress and ethno-national inequalities in anxiety among perinatal women.

Two-Phase Evaluation of a Community-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Palestinian Women in East Jerusalem: A Quasi-Experimental Study Followed by Dissemination.

Palestinian-Arab women are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to high prevalence of diabetes and other risk factors. The current study investigates the effectiveness of an intensive group-based intervention on lifestyle habits that can prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To that end, we conducted a group-based intervention based on the diabetes prevention program in two consecutive phases. The first phase consisted of a quasi-experimental study and the second phase included community-wide dissemination, with a 6-month follow-up. Findings from the quasi-experiment indicate increased consumption of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, weight reduction (−2.21 kg, p < 0.01), and a significant increase in the average daily steps in the intervention group (from 4456 to 6404). Findings from the dissemination indicate that average daily vegetables consumption increased from 1.76 to 2.32/day as did physical activity and average daily steps (from 4804 to 5827). There was a significant reduction in blood pressure, total cholesterol and LDL. These gains were sustained over 6 months following the intervention. This community-based, culturally adapted, health-promotion intervention led to improved nutrition and physical activity which were maintained after 6 months. Collaboration with community centers and local community partners created an effective channel for dissemination of the program to pre-clinical individuals.

Obstacles to Labour Market Participation Among Arab Women in Israel

This study investigates the factors that underlay the low labour force participation rate among Palestinian-Arab women in Israel relative to Jewish women despite the high educational attainment among this group. We focus on four factors that could explain this pattern: (i) socioeconomic factors such as age and education, (ii) culture factors such as the religiosity of the individual-woman and her family, (iii) family structure and related public policies, and (iv) the early retirement of Arab women from the labour market. We find that all four of these factors affect the probability of Palestinian-Arab women participating in the labour market. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for labour market policies.

Palestinian Working Women in Israel

The paid labor force participation of women in Arab states has always been among the lowest in the world. The same is true for Palestinian Arab women who are citizens of Israel. In sharp contrast, the paid labor participation of Jewish women in Israel is among the highest globally. This paper looks at the consequences of Israeli policy and changing social norms on the Palestinian minority in Israel through the prism of female Palestinian activism in Israel’s economy. In particular, it examines the causes, consequences, and changes in the labor force participation of Palestinian women citizens in Israel. Drawing on fieldwork and interviews with some of these women, this paper also examines the impact of their newfound earning power on social attitudes and the division of labor in their homes.

Differences in pathological and clinical features of breast cancer in Arab as compared to Jewish women in Northern Israel

Breast cancer (BC) does not affect ethnic groups equally. BC mortality is higher in Israeli Palestinian Arab women than among Israeli Jewish women. This study aims to compare clinical, biological and pathological characteristics of breast cancer in the two populations. Records of 1,140 women with BC treated at Northern Israel between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed: 872 Jews and 268 Arabs. Age at diagnosis, tumor stage, pathological differentiation, estrogen receptor (ER) and HER-2 expression were evaluated. The main age at diagnosis was 49.9 years for Arabs and 59.4 years for Jews (p < 0.0001). Mean tumor size was < 2 cm in 25% of Arabs and 53% of Jews (p < 0.0001). Lymph node metastases presented in 64.6% of Arabs and 37.2% of Jews (p < 0.0001). Stage I disease was 19% in Arab and 49.2% in Jewish women while Stages III and IV disease was 42% and 11.3% respectively (p < 0.001). ER was positive in 69% of Arabs and in 78.5% of Jews (p < 0.001). Poorly differentiated tumors were found in 28.8% of Arabs vs. 12.8% in Jews (p < 0.0001). Overexpression of HER-2 was present in 35.4% of Arab and 22% of Jewish women (p < 0.001). We found that race is an important predictive factor for breast cancer. Arab women are diagnosed at younger age, with more advanced stage and biologically more aggressive disease than in Jewish women. Socioeconomic factors alone are not sufficient to explain significant effects of race on tumor characteristics. Findings suggest a different genetic susceptibility in the two populations which needs further research.

LOYALTY, BELONGING, AND THEIR DISCONTENTS: WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE IN JEWISH AND PALESTINIAN CULTURAL DISCOURSE

In societies that perceive themselves as enmeshed in national struggle, the place of female figures who make it into the public spheresuch as political activists, members of women's organizations, and, by extension, imagined women in literary worksis problematic. There is a tension between women's issues, which are perceived as being concerned with private matters, and the public good, a tension whichduring hard times, when the whole public is seen to be threatenedcreates suspicion, expressed in the demand that women show some kind of membership card affirming their loyalty to the group and its cause. The cause may be defined differently for each group and era, but it is always set against women's egotistic self-fulfillment. These suspicions and demands may be directed even at women whose concern is notor not exclusivelywith women's issues. They are associated with a certain basic mistrust of women in general, such as is often reflected in the characterization of female literary stereotypes like the J emme fatale. This article is taken from an ongoing study of Middle Eastern women who make it into the public sphere in what are perceived as times of national struggle. I shall concentrate on Palestinian Arab and Jewish women, mainly in the first half of the twentieth century. For the Jews, this is the period of the pre-state waves of Zionist immigration and the proto-state Yishuv (the organized Zionist Jewish community of Palestine), culminating in the creation of the State of Israel. For the Palestinians, the same period marks the emergence of the struggle against Zionism, up to and after the Nakbah

Gender and Citizenship in the Middle East

The fourteen case studies that compose this volume address the variousinstitutional, economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions of thedebate on gender and citizenship in the Middle East. Using a crossculturalcomparative approach, the theoretical introduction as well as theindividual case studies seek to challenge dominant (especially western)feminist models of analysis of the question of gender and citizenship in theMiddle East. The validity of dominant feminist paradigms is questioned byintroducing new social and cultural variables, and putting at stake anumber of traditionally unquestioned or unrecognized modes of identityformation, such as kinship, family, tribe, and sects, which critically affect awoman's citizenship status. The volume purports to contest essentializingmyths about the Middle East that artificially give it a character of regionalcoherence, and homogenize the image of Middle Eastern women as acategory. The volume thus theorizes the gendering of citizenship from thelargely unexplored perspectives that open up from introducing the abovevariables, toward a better understanding of the complex nature of the laws(religious, political, patriarchal and patrilineal) governing the constructionof a gendered citizenship in the Middle East.The theoretical introduction to the volume outlines the dynamics of anumber of points of departure that presumably underlie the writing of the"legal subject in the Middle East," namely nations, states, religion, family.The contributors seem to all concede that "most Middle Eastern states havecemented the linkage between religious identity, political identity,patrilineality, and patriarchy-that is, between religion, nation, state, andkinship." The Middle Eastern countries studied in the volume are dividedregionally into four areas: North Africa (including Egypt, Algeria, Tunisiaand Morocco); Eastern Arab States (including Lebanon, Palestine, Jordanand Iraq); the Arab Gulf (including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Yemen); theNon-Arab Middle East (including Turkey, Iran, and Jewish and PalestinianArab women in Israel). The authors of the various case studies conductedan exhaustive investigation of the related topics, albeit with a notabledifference of outlook varying between liberal individualistic and communitarianconservative positions.The methodological approach adopted by various contributors draws ...