The Social and Cultural Construction of Burqa: The Case of Gheshm Island in Iran

• Published in: Sexuality & culture 2018-09, Vol.22 (3), p.962-979
• Main Authors: Mohammadi, Naima, Rastegar, Yaser
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Creativity; Cultural values; Data collection; Ethnic groups; Ethnicity; Females; Hijab (Custom); Islamic clothing; Original Paper; Personality and Social Psychology; Photography; Psychology; Regional and Cultural Studies; Religious clothing; Social aspects; Social construction; Social Sciences; Social status; Sociocultural factors; Stereotypes
• ISSN: 1095-5143; 1936-4822
• DOI: 10.1007/s12119-018-9505-7

The present study attempts to describe the components, characteristics, and implications of burqa in Qeshm Island, Iran, through an ethnographic method. The sample of the study is composed of twelve burqa -wearing women who were selected by applying a purposive sampling method. The process of data collection took 1 year, and the researchers conducted observations, note-takings, photography, and interviews with the participants on the field. The findings indicated that unlike niqab in the Arab countries, burqa is not surrounded by ideology. It is a cultural product which needs to be understood based on six main themes. In this cultural context, burqa is considered to be a social construction through which women reconstruct and moderate their social status, distance themselves from imposed roles and stereotypes, distinguish themselves from others with their creativity and innovation in designing burqas , and occasionally benefit from burqas’ financial value. Considering the various implications of burqa in the Muslim world and in Iran, it is proposed that the laws pertaining to this region be legislated based on the recognized indication of burqa by ethnic and religious groups.