Veiling Practices, Norms, and Discourses

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to veiling practices, norms, and cultural discourses pertaining to Muslim women.

Veiling Practices

Cultural or religious customs related to the covering of women's bodies, often involving garments like hijabs, abayas, and burqas.

Hijab

A general term for modesty and the headscarf worn by many Muslim women to cover their hair as a sign of religious commitment.

Abaya

A loose full-length outer garment worn by women to cover the body, arms, and legs, often donned over house clothes.

Niqab

A veil covering a woman's face, leaving only her eyes visible; typically worn with an abaya.

Burqa

A loose garment covering the body and face, with a grill across the eyes allowing the woman to see while keeping her face concealed.

Chador

A full-length, open cloak worn by women in Iran and elsewhere, held closed with hands or teeth.

Dupatta

A long scarf draped across the head and shoulders, commonly worn by Muslim women in South Asia.

Khimaar

A historical term for a covering worn over the head; its meaning has evolved over time.

Agency

The capacity of individuals, such as Muslim women, to make choices regarding their veiling practices rather than being coerced.

Cultural Hybrid Identity

Identifying with multiple cultural backgrounds, rejecting the notion of a single standard or norm.

Western Double Standard

The differing societal norms applied to Western women versus women from non-Western cultures regarding modesty and freedom.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group, often challenged by the narratives of individuals within that group.

Modesty

A value or principle often articulated in religious texts, relating to how individuals, particularly women, present themselves.

Religious Justification

Reasons provided by individuals for their veiling choices based on their interpretation of religious texts.

Identity Negotiation

The process through which individuals navigate and express their cultural identity, particularly in multicultural contexts.

Assertiveness in Hijabi Women

The characteristic of many Muslim women who wear hijabs to express their identity and assert their rights and choices.

Purity and Chastity

Societal expectations placed on women, often reflected in veiling practices and essential for discussions around modesty.

Anti-Imperialism

A stance opposing foreign domination and cultural imposition that often accompanies discussions about veiling.

Normative

What is considered standard or usual behavior in a specific cultural context, which may shift over time.

Cultural Critique

Analyzing and challenging cultural norms and stereotypes, especially those imposed by external societies.