For years, Iranian academics, writers, and scholars have equated national development and progress with the reform of men's sexual behavior. Modern intellectuals repudiated native sexuality in Iran, just as their European counterparts in France and Germany did, arguing that transforming male identity was essential to the recovery of the nation.

DeSouza offers an alternate narrative of modern Iranian masculinity as an attempt to redraw social hierarchies among men. Moving beyond rigid portrayals of Islamic patriarchy and female oppression, she analyzes debates about manhood and maleness in early twentieth-century Iran, particularly around questions of race and sexuality. DeSouza presents the larger implications of Pahlavi hegemonic masculinity in creating racialized male subjects and ""productive"" sexualities. In addition, she explores a cross-pollination with Europe, identifying how the ""East"" shaped visions of European male identity.

About the Author
Wendy DeSouza is PARSA CF visiting lecturer in Iranian studies in the Middle East and South Asia Studies Program at University of California, Davis.


Book Information
ISBN 9780815636038
Author Wendy DeSouza
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Syracuse University Press
Publisher Syracuse University Press
Weight(grams) 300g