SOCIAL STIGMATIZATION AND PENALIZATION OF WOMEN IN SAADAWI’S THE FALL OF THE IMAM

Abstract

This study aims to examine the social stigmatization and punishment of women in The Fall of the Imam by Nawal El Saadawi, iconic Egyptian feminist writer who could not remain apathetic to the violence, exclusion and punishment methods developed by the society against women in an environment where people are afraid to speak. In conservative and authoritarian societies, it is quite common for individuals to be restricted and required to live according to strictly defined social norms. If a person acts or behaves in ways outside the boundaries and limits demanded by society, it is highly probable that they will be stigmatized and perhaps even punished by their milieu. On the other hand, the group most adversely affected by this circumstance is women because they are subjected to much more noticeable extent of coercion and oppression than men are. Patriarchal perception lies on the ground of this domination against women. The restrictive structure of patriarchy prevailing in the society is utilized as a kind of control mechanism. Referring to the atmosphere in her country, in particular for women, Saadawi expressly emphasizes that the oppression and domination in her society negatively affect women’s lives, the court system is biased against women, and religion is manipulated in favor of men. Women are victims in a male-dominated religious society, they are judged and punished by men in an unfair way, which Saadawi criticizes in her work. The systematic exposure of women to violence, sexual assault and rape, and ultimately death penalty is a stark manifestation of the corruption in society. The unfair punishment practice imposed against women is the key factor triggering this deterioration. Accordingly, Saadawi dwells on the unfair/cruel physical punishment method of stoning in the penalization of women and sheds light on the problem of violence in her novel. On the axis of violence, Saadawi severely criticizes the stereotypical religion-referenced patriarchal structure manipulated against women. By taking into consideration all these elements, in this paper, it is aimed to investigate and represent how women are stigmatized and penalized with death. Accordingly, it is concluded that the stigmatization, marginalization, and ultimately death penalty generated against women as a result of their sexes are based on the patriarchal notion enforced by religion.