
Geoff Harkness, "Changing Qatar: Culture, Citizenship, and Rapid Modernization" (NYU Press, 2020)
New Books in Anthropology
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How Women Use the Hijab in Qatar
In Qatar women use the hijab both strategically and also situationally. Hijab is often seen as an article of restraint um you know sort of like we're hearing about in Iran right now so it's a tool of oppression it's used by men to subjugate women. Women would adorn the hijab with elaborate decorations this is supposed to be a an all-black outfit that conceals the figure but they would cinch them at the waist tightly with a belt. They would accentuate them with all sorts of accessories such as shoes, makeup and handbags. These things are designed to tell others something about who they are and and as a means of expression.
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