Gender in Contemporary Saudi Novels

This doctoral research explores the representation of gender in four Saudi novels published after 9/11. The study, which includes novels by both male and female authors, examines narrative techniques and strategies used to depict Saudi women and address their concerns within the Saudi socio-cultural context. It aims to challenge essentialist Western interpretations by highlighting how these novels negotiate gender issues and resist patriarchal structures from an Islamic feminist perspective. The research posits that the post-9/11 era brought about significant social and literary changes in Saudi Arabia, fostering greater freedom of expression, particularly concerning women's issues. The study contributes to Arabic literary, cultural, and gender studies by demonstrating how Saudi novels serve as platforms for indigenous feminist discourse that critiques prevailing norms and undermines patriarchal systems. The findings suggest a move towards representing women as complex individuals rather than a homogeneous group, with religion being utilized as a tool for advancing women's status and social justice.