Book description
In 2011, Arab youth took to the streets in their thousands to
demand their freedom. Although it is too early to speculate on the
ultimate outcome of the uprisings, one auspicious feature stands out:
they reveal the genesis of a new generation sparked by the desire for
civil liberties, advocacy for human rights, and participatory democracy.
This unique volume explores some of the antecedents of the
upheavals and anticipates alternative venues of resistance that
marginalized youth - from Lebanon, Syria and Palestine to Saudi
Arabia, Morocco and Iran - can mobilize to realize their emancipatory expectations.
Themes covered include the forging of meaningful collective
identities in times of risk and uncertainty; youth militancy,
neighborhood violence and youth gangs; the surge of youthful activism;
and youths' expressive outlets through popular arts and street music.
Samir Khalaf is Professor of Sociology and Director of the
Center for Behavioral Research at the American University of Beirut.
He has held academic appointments at Princeton, Harvard, MIT, and New
York University. Among his books are Sexuality in the Arab World (with
John Gagnon), The Heart of Beirut, Cultural Resistance and Lebanon
Adrift, all by Saqi Books.
Roseanne Saad Khalaf is Associate Professor of English and
Creative Writing at the American University of Beirut. She is the
author and editor of five books, among them Hikayat: Short Stories by
Lebanese Woman (Telegram), Transit Beirut and Arab Society and
Culture, co-edited with Samir Khalaf (both by Saqi Books).
