Women's Freedom Struggle in Nawal El-Saadawi's Novel Mudzakkarāt Ṭhabībah: A Liberal Feminism Study

Naufal Ahmad Al Irsyad; Ihin Solihin; Khomisah Khomisah

doi:10.29407/jbsp.v10i2.29413

Authors

Naufal Ahmad Al Irsyad UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2219-5396
Ihin Solihin UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4899-1340
Khomisah Khomisah UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4641-1433

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29407/jbsp.v10i2.29413

Keywords:

liberal feminism, Nawal El-Saadawi, women's freedom

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the representation of women's freedom struggle in Nawal El-Saadawi's novel Mudzakkarāt Ṭhabībah using Mary Wollstonecraft's classical liberal feminism approach. In a patriarchal social system, women are often faced with a subordinate position that limits their movement and fundamental human rights. Therefore, this study is essential to uncover the forms of rational resistance carried out by the main character. A qualitative descriptive method was applied to the original Arabic manuscript consisting of 71 pages published by the Hindawi Foundation. The comprehensive analysis revealed 12 discourses of resistance against patriarchal authority through three dimensions. First, in the dimension of rationality, the main character uses critical reasoning to challenge biological determinism and prove gender equality. Second, in the individuality dimension, the character asserts sovereignty over her body and life through the autonomous act of cutting her hair and refusing to submit to men. Third, in the realm of legal reform, there is a sharp critique of structural discrimination, ranging from family regulations to marriage contracts that reduce women's civil rights. In conclusion, the main character's struggle is a rational praxis demanding full self-autonomy while urging the transformation of the patriarchal legal system.

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