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The Male Is Not Like the Female (Q 3:36): The Question of Gender Egalitarianism in the Qur’?n
Article first published online: 26 JUN 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-8171.2009.00147.x
© 2009 The Author. Journal Compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
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How to Cite
Bauer, K. (2009), The Male Is Not Like the Female (Q 3:36): The Question of Gender Egalitarianism in the Qur’?n. Religion Compass, 3: 637–654. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-8171.2009.00147.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 9 JUL 2009
- Article first published online: 26 JUN 2009
- Religion Compass 3/4 (2009): 637–654, 10.1111/j. 1749-8171.2009.00147.x
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Abstract
Notions of justice and gender egalitarianism are central to the debates on the status of women in the Qur’an today; however authors differ in their definitions of the terms of justice and egalitarianism. Some argue that egalitarianism is located in the spiritual realm, while marital hierarchies are natural. Others interpret the text to embody egalitarianism in all realms. A third group holds complete equality as an ideal, but admits to the text's hierarchical elements. This article examines these scholarly debates, and addresses the question of whether the Qur’an treats men and women equally. I propose that gender equality is not a central concern of the Qur’?n.