Constanze Volkmann develops an innovative new gender theory labeled doing and undoing gender. Based on empirical findings she examines the highly debated intersection of gender and Islam. The analysis of interviews with various Muslim women unravels the many different ways in which gender is done and undone. Especially with regard to potential gender hierarchies, the results reveal that the category 'gender' is irrelevant to many Muslim women and is even used as a means to foster their status and power as women. This book makes a substantial contribution to a differentiated social debate at eye level with Muslim women.
"Volkmann's work is a valuable analysis of the ways in which gender is embodied and negotiated in some Muslim circles and therefore an appreciated contribution to the existing body of literature on gender in Europe's Muslim communities. ... Volkmann's work deserves serious consideration not only by those interested in knowing more about Muslim life in Austria and Germany, but by those willing to seriously engage and reformulate ideas on gender when undertaking new research on Islam ... ." (Marta Domínguez Díaz, Religion in Austria, Vol. 7, 2022)