This book provides a fresh overview on the debate about the remarkable regression of gender equality in the Balkans and South Caucasus caused by the fall of socialism and by the revitalization of religion in Turkey.
Karl Kaser has been full professor of Southeastern European history and anthropology at the University of Graz, Austria, since 1996. His research focuses, among other topics, on gender relations and visual cultures. His most recent monographs are ‘Religion and Visual Cultures’ (2013, Ger) and ‘Hollywood in the Balkans’ (2018, Ger).
1. Introduction.- 2. The Balkans and South Caucasus – Eurasia Minor.- 3. Patriarchies, Femininities and Masculinities.- 4. Producers, Agents, and Transmitters.- 5. Veiling-chic Cultures.- 6. Porno-Chic Cultures.- 7. Conclusions – Realia and Utopia.
“Kaser’s book is a tool for feminism and the much-needed continued struggle for gender equality. Taking a comparative approach, he brilliantly explains recent developments and regressions of the role and place of women in society, and what this has meant for gender relations, for masculinities and femininities. … indeed for all those interested in the complexity of gender relations.” (Antoine Dutreuilh, Comparative Southeast European Studies, Vol. 72 (3), 2024)