The Women of Alwal Alis Tribe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Women of Alwal Alis Tribe - Essay Example Lila Abu-Lughod describes the cultural phenomena of an Awlad ‘Ali people found in Egypt. The basis of her research is on dynamics existing in different genders with a concern on the rights of women in the Middle East, the link existing between the power and cultural forms, the representation as far as politics is concerned. Lila Abu-Lughod in her work about the veiling sentiments brings out the importance of covering of the head among the women. Once a woman comes across an elderly man, she is supposed to cover her head as a sign of respect for the elderly. This is not the case in case the same woman would come across a younger man. It is essential to note that, the women covered their heads, which was seen as a sign of respect to the elderly, were solely meant for the Bedouin men. The Bedouin women do not cover their head when they come across other elderly men from other communities. â€Å".One notes the distinctive glint of silver on her wrist, a vibrant full-length dress g athered at the waist by a red cummerbund and a head covered in black (Abu-Lughod, 1986:2).† In case, any woman declines to use the head cover or the red belt, this action is termed as the scandalous or inappropriate. In the ethnography, the author brings about the concept of marriage among the Awlad ‘Ali tribe.