Muslims in Britain Research Network (MBRN) Conference
Gender and Muslim Spaces: Community and Academic Perspectives
29th March 2017, University of Leeds
Organised by MBRN and the University of Leeds
Programme Highlights
Plenary 1: Community perspectives: How can Muslim institutions become more inclusive?
- Bana Gora (Muslim Women’s Council, Bradford)
- Imam Qari Aslam (Makkah Mosque, Leeds)
- Dr Siema Iqbal (MEND)
Plenary 2: Academic perspectives: how can research on British Muslims become more gender sensitive?
- Poles Apart: Reflections on Fieldwork with Salafi Women and Tablighi Men – Dr Anabel Inge and Riyaz Timol
- Film Screening: Blessed are the Strangers (Adam Peerbux, 2016)
Conference Theme
The question of gender inclusion among British Muslims is currently a high profile debate. This conference aims to unpack the many facets of this debate from a range of methodological, theoretical and community perspectives. There are three strands main strands to the theme:
· Academic Research and Gender Inclusion: Given that descriptions of Muslim community life have often been unacknowledged descriptions of Muslim men, how best might that be problematised? What theoretical work needs to be done to highlight gender exclusion or inclusion more concretely? How can Muslim male and female subjectivities be better understood separately or otherwise? What impact can gender inclusion or exclusion have upon research methodologies, ethical issues, questions of access and questions of academic representation?
· Politics of Gender Inclusion and Exclusion: What role does the issue of gender inclusion now play in questions of state policies towards Muslims? How far is it tied into questions of securitization and extremism? How central an issue is it in terms of discourses of Islamic reform or notions of personal authenticity in terms of new Islamic gender theology and everyday Muslim practices?
· Gender Inclusion in British Muslim Institutions, Networks and Movements: How extensive is the drive towards gender inclusion? What enhances and retards gender inclusion? What modalities of inclusion are being undertaken? How is gender exclusion being defended or problematized?
Call for Papers
Abstract submissions are invited for papers that address any aspect of the conference theme. Participants will be asked to present their research in a short format as part of a panel with questions and answers at the end.
To participate please send a brief 150 word abstract by 30th January 2017 alongside a biographical note of no more than 50 words.
Abstract submissions and any general questions should be sent to the conference organisers at MBRNleeds2017@gmail.com.
Conference Organisers
Seán McLoughlin (University of Leeds)
Yahya Birt (University of Leeds)
Carl Morris (MBRN)
Chris Moses (MBRN)
Mobeen Butt (MBRN)