Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of the modernization theory in Egypt, a developing Muslim society. As in the case of other developing societies, Egypt's modernization is uneven. Therefore, I will examine modernization as it relates to Muslim women in Egypt in as far as they vary in their exposure to the modernizing influences of advanced technology. Egypt has experienced a variety of social, judicial, economic, demographic, and political modifications. These changes have greatly affected Muslim women in Egypt and their family life. Not all of the issues underlying modernization will be addressed in this research. Type of family structure and family modernization beliefs in Egypt will be central to the analysis. Four dimensions of individual modernization will be examined: beliefs about family obligations, beliefs about ideal family size, attitudes toward the economic role of women, and attitudes toward sources of security for women. These dimensions will be analyzed with certain individual background variables: age, education, income, sex, marital status, community type, family structure, time in the labor force, and exposure to technology. My research will predict the influence Islam may or may not have on the process. Whether tradition, culture, or religious thought hampers or advances the development of women in Egypt. State policies and position will also be viewed in this regard.

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