'Wahhabism' and Gender-segregation in Saudi A...

'Wahhabism' and Gender-segregation in Saudi Arabia: Policy and impact on students' education

Author Name : Fahad Alali

INTRODUCTION

The preservation of the Saudi Arabian fundamentalist culture for a while has been under several criticisms, partly because some of their cultural practices are perceived as disempowering citizens. Whereas critics continue to advocate for an educational system that provides equal opportunity for both males and females (Hamdan, 2010), it seems little is mentioned on the extent to which the forces of power and pedagogy shrouded in strong religious faith encourages a segregated educational system in Saudi Arabia. In this assignment, I will examine how the religious practice titled, 'Wahhabi ' practice within Saudi- Arabia uses the notions of power and pedagogy to disengage a mixed form of education. Basing the mode of argument around Feminist concepts of power and pedagogy, with special attention paid to the segregated way of education a more general conclusion of the impact of the discriminatory practice in schools will be highlighted.