Description
In this concise and beautifully written introduction to the politics of the veil in modern societies, Christian Joppke examines why a piece of clothing could have led to such controversy. He dissects the multiple meanings of the Islamic headscarf, and explores its links with the global rise of Islam, Muslim integration, and the retreat from multiculturalism. He argues that the headscarf functions as a mirror of identity, but one in which national and liberal identities overlap, exposing the paradox that while it may be an affront to liberal values, its suppression is equally illiberal.
Veil: Mirror of Identity will illuminate, challenge and provoke readers, and will make compelling reading for scholars, students and general readers alike.
About the Author
Christian Joppke is Professor of Political Science at the American University of Paris.
Reviews
"An eye-opener. It is essentially about European liberalism, 'othering' and Muslim integration, and offers some very valuable insights into how French, British and German policymakers and courts have dealt with their respective 'headscarf affairs'."
Times Higher Education
"The strength of this book lies in the comparison of three states' responses to the headscarf issue, providing a thorough account for a reader new to this subject."
Sociology
"Joppke's Veil retrieves a topic subjected to cliched overkill for genuine scholarly analysis. It is erudite, readable and unrivalled, a no-punches-pulled critique of the relationship between Islam, gender and liberalism. Informative, thought-provoking and powerful, it reaches new heights and is a must-read for the informed, or bemused, about Islam in the West."
Paul Statham, University of Bristol
"All of the trademark features of Joppke's style are in evidence here: a talent for linking empirical and normative questions in a sophisticated yet clear way; an ability to synthesize a wide range of literature and sharply formulate the key issues; and a willingness to challenge and indeed provoke his readers."
Rogers Brubaker, University of California
"Veil is a highly original and systematic analysis of one of the major problems which Western, especially European, societies are confronting. It is an outstanding contribution, and should be of great interest to sociologists, political scientists and historians."
S. N. Eisenstadt, Van Leer Jerusalem Institute
"One of the most difficult issues for a liberal state is to consider the conflict between religious freedom and liberal values. Written with pace, authority and wit, Christian Joppke provides the reader with a deeper understanding of western Europe's struggle with manifestations of religious identity."
Kamal Ahmed, Equality and Human Rights Commission
Book Information
ISBN 9780745643526
Author Christian Joppke
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 218g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 12mm
