Gendered Imaginaries: The Role of Lebanese Sociologists in Shaping Women’s Issues Post-Arab Spring

Kahil, Angela

This paper delves into the transformative role of sociology in addressing gender dynamics and women's roles in Lebanon and the Arab World following the Arab Spring. Rather than examining the influence of societal changes on sociology, this paper focuses on how sociological scholarship actively shapes gendered social, political, and economic imaginaries. Utilizing the Cultural Political Economy (CPE) framework, the panel analyzes how sociology contributes to the conceptualization of gender roles and its impact on women's empowerment and social justice in post-uprising contexts.

The methodology includes a macro-level analysis of the autonomy of sociology in Lebanon, coupled with a micro-level investigation of the contributions of prominent Lebanese sociologists. Key figures include scholars, such as Fadia Kiwan, whose influential work on gender equality and women’s rights has significantly impacted public discourse and policy-making in Lebanon; Mona Fawaz, and Carmen Geha, whose activism and scholarship on political reform emphasize the importance of women’s political participation and its role in shaping Lebanon’s socio-political landscape.

Key research questions guiding this paper include:

How has sociology in Lebanon contributed to the formation of gendered social, political, and economic imaginaries post-2011?
In what ways has the autonomy of sociology as a discipline influenced its ability to address and challenge gender inequalities in Lebanese society?
How have the contributions of individual Lebanese sociologists shaped policies and public opinion on women's issues and gender justice?
To what extent have sociological insights into gender issues impacted women’s roles and status in Lebanon’s socio-political environment?

By exploring these questions, the paper aims to highlight the significant role of sociology in advancing gender studies and advocating for women’s rights in Lebanon. The discussion will provide insights into how sociological practice can drive gender-based social change and contribute to feminist scholarship in complex socio-political settings.