An Analysis of Saba Mahmood's Politics of Piety

In this original and controversial 2005 book, Mahmood argues that Muslim women can show independence even while assuming traditional Islamic roles. Her research suggests that, in choosing to embrace the norms of their faith, these pious Muslims are not limiting, but rather affirming, themselves. They do not value the idea of 'freedom' in the same way the liberal West does, and this can give us new insights into ideas about autonomy that we all too often take for granted. Mahmood challenges many assumptions made by feminists from the secular liberal tradition. She insists these Muslim women must be understood on their own terms, rather than via conventional feminist views. Book jacket.