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Breaking Boundaries, Facing Backlash: Violence against Kuwaiti Women in Politics
Abstract
In the contemporary discourse on gender and politics, the case of Kuwait presents a compelling landscape for understanding the complexities surrounding violence against women in politics (VAWIP). Despite significant strides in the realms of education and finance, Kuwaiti women continue to encounter formidable barriers in the political arena, barriers deeply rooted in historical, traditional, and religious norms that perpetuate patriarchal values within families and tribes. Traditional sociological theories, such as exchange theory, have attempted to explain male dominance as a consequence of women's lack of resources. However, with Kuwaiti women now achieving considerable levels of education and financial independence, these theories fall short of fully accounting for the sustained male dominance in politics. An alternative explanation offered by status inconsistency theory suggests that as women challenge traditional gender roles and seek political participation, they face significant backlash. This backlash not only affects their representation in decision-making roles but also highlights the intricate interplay between historical patriarchy and evolving gender norms within Kuwait's political sphere. This paper aims to gain insights into the complex relationship between societal norms, gender roles, and the specific hurdles women face in their pursuit of political representation and decision-making positions. Using in-depth interviews and archival data, we expand the understanding of VAWIP by examining the influences of tribal politics, sectarianism, and the absence of political parties on the forms of political violence faced by women. It will explore how intersecting identities and gender norms exacerbate VAWIP, thus impeding women's political participation and representation. The research is grounded in the burgeoning field of VAWIP, especially pertinent in contexts marked by traditional, tribal, and conservative norms. This study dissects how patriarchal societies employ traditional gender roles and women's identities to obstruct their political engagement, with a specific focus on the role of sect and intersectionality in intensifying violence against women in politics.
Discipline
Political Science
Geographic Area
All Middle East
Kuwait
Sub Area
None