This panel grows out of concerns about how certain notions of Islam are used to legitimate domestic and international policies and racist discourses in Europe. It aims to find feminist language capable of critiquing the violence of racism/culturalism and of so-called Islamism. In this spirit, we seek papers analyzing gendered representations of Islam that justify violence against Muslims or people marked as Muslims. We also welcome papers that investigate alternative paradigms, particularly those of activist groups. Transnational / non-European perspectives are encouraged.

Please send abstracts of 250-500 words and complete contact information to both organizers by Friday, January 12, 2007.