A Society of Young Women: Opportunities of Place, Power, and Reform in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The cities of Saudi Arabia are among the most gender segregated in the world. In recent years the Saudi government has felt increasing international pressure to offer greater roles for women in society. Implicit in these calls for reform, however, is an assumption that the only ""real"" society is male society. Little consideration has been given to the rapidly evolving activities within women's spaces. This book joins young urban women in their daily lives-in the workplace, on the female university campus, at the mall-to show how these women are transforming Saudi cities from within and creat Riyadh, a city of closed spaces -- Getting around -- Coming together -- Breaking the rules -- Consuming femininities.