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Social Welfare and Religion in the Middle East: A Lebanese Perspective
Author(s): Rana Jawad (Author)
- Publisher: Policy Press
- Publication Date: 29 July 2009
- Edition: Illustrated
- Language: English
- Print length: 320 pages
- ISBN-10: 186134953X
- ISBN-13: 9781861349538
Book Description
For a region which usually occupies media headlines and academic enquiry with concerns over global security and the supply of petroleum oil, the Middle East would appear averse to any talk of progressive social policy. But below the hard-hitting headlines, what do local Middle Eastern populations think of social welfare, equality and solidarity? The original analysis in this book presents a new and comprehensive narrative of social welfare in the Middle East through an examination of the role of religious welfare. Religion is, arguably, the longest and most dynamic surviving force of social and political action in the region. Based on an in-depth study of the major Muslim and Christian religious welfare organisations in Lebanon (including Hezbollah), and drawing upon supplementary research conducted in Iran, Egypt and Turkey, the book argues that religion – whether through the state apparatus, civil society organisations or populist religious movements – is providing sophisticated solutions to the major social and economic problems of the Middle East. As religion continues to regain its centrality in both academic and policy circles around the world, this book presents a new framework which examines the complex social and political dynamics shaping social welfare in the Middle East. It also opens up broader debate on the role of faith-based welfare in the changing social policy landscape. “Social Welfare and Religion in the Middle East” will be of use to students and academics of social policy, sociology, politics and Middle Eastern studies. It will also provide a useful introduction to the reality of development and social policy in the region to practitioners and policy-makers who are active in the Middle East, or are seeking to engage with faith-based organisations.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“This book is an essential reference for anyone investigating religion in social
sciences in general, due to its extended bibliography, as well as for anyone
dealing specifically with social policy frameworks … will probably become a key
addition to the field.” Journal of Social Policy and Administration
” ….a bold, coherent but also balanced and ‘realist’ dissection of the role and significance of religious belief and practice within social welfare provision.” Chris Baker in Journal of Social Policy
“An indispensable resource for academics interested in the revival of religion in social policy as well as professionals in the international development field.” Political Studies Review
About the Author
Rana Jawad is a research fellow at the Centre for Research in EthnicRelations, University of Warwick and an associate researcher at the William Temple Foundation (University of Manchester). Her main research interests are: the role of the religion and culture in social policy, the history of social policy, social movements and voluntary organistions. She has particular regional expertise on the Middle East and the UK.