Sexual map, pillow politics and bedroom allegiances :an exploration of women, sexuality and citizenship in Lebanon -

Abstract

The thesis explores the nexus of sexuality, womanhood and women’s citizenship in Lebanon. Private concerns over sexuality are issues that spread beyond the confinement of bedroom walls but mark women as Lebanese citizens in rights and practice. It deconstructs norms of ‘proper sexuality’ in the legal system drawing a map of inclusion and exclusion from citizenship that highlights the conditionality of rights upon women’s fulfillment of legally set sexual norms as well as the their role in restricting agency. It then examines the practices of citizenship through an investigation of the country’s vibrant women’s movement history, context and discourse showing that implicit norms of ‘proper sexuality’ limit women’s achievements. Shedding light on women’s role in mapping and re-mapping their presence as intimate beings and public citizens shows that challenging accepted norms of sexuality serve to challenge the Lebanese political system and is key to the achievement of women’s citizenship.