The Clash of Civilisations and the Battle of the Sexes

Abstract

Muslims and their critics tend to explain their differences in terms of Koranic teachings. But all practical precepts from holy scriptures are constantly contested. Most of these controversial practices concern the position of women in the family and in society at large; they derive not so much from religion as from the traditions of patriarchal, pre-industrial society the world over. Tensions between men and women, parents and children have much increased due to the recent educational revolution that now has girls competing on equal terms with boys for diplomas and jobs, both in their countries of origin and in the countries of immigration. As a result, many men attempt to cling to their superior position by invoking a patriarchal interpretation of the holy book and many women avoid a full confrontation out of loyalty to their men, their faith and their group origins.