Gender+Expectations+in+Iran+by+Noah+Solfest

In 1979, Iran had an Islamic Revolution that turned Iran into an official Islamic Republic. Being an Islamic Republic means that all Iranians are forced to study Islam. Islamic rules are very strict and breaking these rules in Iran would have major consequences. One rule that attracts a lot of attention is the rule that all women must wear the hijab (veil). Other Islamic rules in Iran also discriminate against women, and now many women are protesting these sexist laws.

There are 14 laws that discriminate against women in Iran. For example, Article 18 of the passport law states, "A married women requires their husband's permission to apply for a passport." Article 102 of Iran's constitution states, "Women who appear on streets and in public without the prescribed ‘Islamic Hejab’ will be condemned to 74 strokes of the lash." Article 1133 of the Civil Code states, "A man can divorce his wife whenever he so chooses and does not have to give her advance notice." (http://www.wfafi.org/laws.pdf) These laws are extremely sexist toward women. They show how women have fewer rights than men.

As women in Iran become well educated, they are now protesting for more equality. The education of women came from when they "were put in universities as just a place to stick them" (Richard Engel, NBC's Today show). Some people say that even though women are discriminated against, they still have power in that the government is fearful of the women protesters. The government is concerned about the changes that may come to their culture, even though the education of women is in fact the start of the change in culture.

Women in Iran may not be seen as equals, but they do have a lot more rights than many Arab nations (The "Today" Show). In Iran, women can vote, drive and even hold public office. Women can also do almost any sport in Iran. Segregation on buses still exists, but many women like this separation because it protects them from being sexually harassed in overpopulated cities. These rights are unique for the geographical area Iran is in.

Modesty is valued in Iran for both men and women (http://www.everyculture.com). Women are required to cover the hair and body shape because both are scene as erotic. Men are restricted from wearing tight pants, shorts, short sleeve shirts, and open collared shirts. However, complaints about the male dress code are rare, even though the rules are commonly overlooked. Although many women are against being forced to wear the veil; some women are accustom to wearing it. These are all signs of how Iran's culture values modesty.

In //Persepolis,// Marji and her family protest the new government and the veil. Her parents participate in the protests often. At one of these events, her mother's photo was taken by the press (pg.5). Since protesting is illegal, Marji's mother could have been arrested. Marji and her 4th grade class don't understand why they have to wear the veil. However, they soon learn that it is a law and the punishment is extreme. For example, Marji is almost taken away for not having appropriate clothing on in public (pg.132-134). With such strong consequences it is a big risk that the family chooses to protest.

Emotional roles in Iran are different from Western cultures. It is seen as manly to cry or have strong emotions. Women are usually hide their emotions. This is almost the flip of Western cultures. If a man in a western country is crying he is typically seen as soft or weak. Women in Western cultures more freely show their emotions. Men and Women in Iranian and Western cultures have nearly opposite displays of emotion (http://www.everyculture.com).

There are many different gender expectations in Iran that have started since the Islamic Revolution. Both men and women have modesty laws. Women's rights are limited compared to that of men. However, the culture has consented to the education of women. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has had many gender expectation changes.