Evolution of Feminism in Saudi Novels from Theory to Practice: A Case Study of the Novel "Ontha al-Aankaboot" (Female Spider)

Feminism is a school of thought that has been found to restore the oppressed rights of women and establish equity with and sometimes supremacy over men. After its pervasion in Western countries, the phenomenon slipped through such Muslim nations as Saudi Arabia. In her novel "Ontha al-Aankaboot" (Female Spider), Qumasha al-Ayan, a Saudi Arabian author, addresses women's problems and the challenges facing feministic movements in her country. Using a descriptive-analytic method, this study aims to firstly investigate the differences between the social structures of western and Islamic countries regarding feminist approaches and secondly to demonstrate the obstacles against the advancement of the feminist movement in Saudi Arabia to discuss social problems women face in that society with emphasis on the afore-mentioned novel. As the study results show, the Industrial Revolution and the subsequent need for women's workforce induced feministic feelings in Western countries. In contrast, such feelings have not found the opportunity to develop in Islamic nations, specifically in Saudi Arabia, since there is not only a fundamental conflict between Islam and feminism but also the normalization of patriarchy in these countries. Moreover, the male-oriented interpretation of laws in some Arab Muslim countries has limited women in different areas.