The author explores a particular discourse on women’s power among Palestinians inside Israel, based on an ethnographic documentation of resourceful women who are commonly referred to as qawiyyi (strong). The author offers the term ‘feminine strength’ to talk about what she sees as a normative script for ‘proper’ handling of femininity and power. The author argues that feminine strength encourages women to channel their achievements back to the home, and discourages them from vying with men over public status and official prestige. Looking at the broader context in which femininities and masculinities are produced, the author shows that ‘feminine strength’ vividly echoes some of the major concerns of Israeli Palestinians generally, notably their preoccupation with modernity, cultural morality, and collective identity.
Do you need support integrating these resources and issues into your philanthropic, communal, or Israel education work? Reach out for consultations, connections to experts, program support, training, or to plan your next event or mission. If you’ve used our resources, tell us about your experience!
Do you need support integrating these resources and issues into your philanthropic, communal, or Israel education work? Reach out for consultations, connections to experts, program support, training, or to plan your next event or mission. If you’ve used our resources, tell us about your experience!