Cultural and Social Inclusion in Sexe et Mensonges: La Vie sexuelle au Maroc by Leïla Slimani: A Critical Perspective
Document Type
Presentation
Location
434 Hodges / Zoom Room A
Start Date
28-3-2025 1:25 PM
End Date
28-3-2025 1:45 PM
Description
Several published studies on Leïla Slimani's Sexe et Mensonges: La Vie sexuelle au Maroc have extensively examined the themes of sexual taboos and the challenges facing women in Moroccan society. But, limited attention has been given to Slimani’s portrayal of cultural and social inclusion through the testimonies and narratives of marginalized women in academic discourse. This study seeks to analyze the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion within the framework of cultural norms and patriarchal structures depicted in the work. The study draws on a qualitative methodology centered on close textual analysis. The theoretical framework integrates Michel Foucault’s concepts of power and sexuality alongside intersectional feminist theories, highlighting the tensions between individual identity, societal pressures and cultural inclusion. The findings reveal that Slimani not only highlights systems of oppression rooted in cultural norms and patriarchal traditions but also provides a nuanced examination of how these systems manifest in the daily lives of Moroccan women. Through firsthand accounts and personal narratives, she illustrates the pervasive nature of gender-based restrictions, societal expectations, and the stigma surrounding female sexuality. Slimani sheds light on how these oppressive structures perpetuate cycles of silence, shame, and marginalization, effectively limiting women's ability to assert their autonomy. The work makes a significant contribution to critical discourse on inclusion and empowerment in contemporary societies, amplifying voices often overlooked in sociocultural dialogues
Cultural and Social Inclusion in Sexe et Mensonges: La Vie sexuelle au Maroc by Leïla Slimani: A Critical Perspective
434 Hodges / Zoom Room A
Several published studies on Leïla Slimani's Sexe et Mensonges: La Vie sexuelle au Maroc have extensively examined the themes of sexual taboos and the challenges facing women in Moroccan society. But, limited attention has been given to Slimani’s portrayal of cultural and social inclusion through the testimonies and narratives of marginalized women in academic discourse. This study seeks to analyze the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion within the framework of cultural norms and patriarchal structures depicted in the work. The study draws on a qualitative methodology centered on close textual analysis. The theoretical framework integrates Michel Foucault’s concepts of power and sexuality alongside intersectional feminist theories, highlighting the tensions between individual identity, societal pressures and cultural inclusion. The findings reveal that Slimani not only highlights systems of oppression rooted in cultural norms and patriarchal traditions but also provides a nuanced examination of how these systems manifest in the daily lives of Moroccan women. Through firsthand accounts and personal narratives, she illustrates the pervasive nature of gender-based restrictions, societal expectations, and the stigma surrounding female sexuality. Slimani sheds light on how these oppressive structures perpetuate cycles of silence, shame, and marginalization, effectively limiting women's ability to assert their autonomy. The work makes a significant contribution to critical discourse on inclusion and empowerment in contemporary societies, amplifying voices often overlooked in sociocultural dialogues