Banning Islamic veils: is gender equality a valid argument?

Article

Howard, E. 2012. Banning Islamic veils: is gender equality a valid argument? International Journal of Discrimination and the Law. 12 (3), pp. 147-165. https://doi.org/10.1177/1358229112464450
TypeArticle
TitleBanning Islamic veils: is gender equality a valid argument?
AuthorsHoward, E.
Abstract

In political and popular debates, bans on the wearing of Islamic head scarves and veils are often said to be necessary for the promotion of gender equality. In this article, I argue that this is based on a stereotypical view of Islam and of Muslim women which ignores the many different reasons why women wear headscarves and veils. I also argue that bans are unnecessary and even counterproductive to achieving gender equality. For those women who wear these garments because they freely choose to do so, bans are not necessary to promote their equality. For those women who are pressured into wearing headscarves or veils, bans could well work against promoting their equality, because they could prevent them from getting an education and a job and could lead to their isolation from society.

KeywordsEmancipation; gender equality; Muslim veils and headscarves; meaning of headscarves; stereotypes
Research GroupLaw and Politics
JournalInternational Journal of Discrimination and the Law
ISSN1358-2291
Publication dates
Print2012
Publication process dates
Deposited10 Jul 2013
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
Additional information

Online ISSN: 2047-9468

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1358229112464450
LanguageEnglish
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