The Veil and Polygamy: Current Debates on Women and Islam in Indonesia

This paper examines the impact of the Islamic revitalization undergone by Indonesia in the 1980s and 1990s on women’s life, by analyzing the discourse of female leaders of Muslim organizations, who state that society is currently facing increased conservatism. Practicing Muslim circles are reacting most firmly, rejecting the chador and demanding the right to not wear the veil. Among female supporters of the shawl, two trends appear: Reformist Muslims view it as a pledge of a virtuous life, whereas traditionalist Muslims view it as a new fashion accessory. As for polygamy, most informants view it as a set-in-stone prescription of Islam, but are at the same time glad of not having experienced it in their own families.1

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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