The Transformation of Gender Roles in the Middle East
             The increased interaction of Europe with in the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century caused the region to reexamine its military, political, and social structures. The desire of the Ottoman Empire to regain its status as a world power led to questioning if the partial adoption of European ideals and infrastructure was required to modernize the region. Concerned with forming a modern military, the Ottoman Empire sought advice and financial assistance from France and Britain. Military defeats stirred questions pertaining to the layout of the Ottoman political, economic, and social conditions. This initial concern led to increased interaction with Western style social and educational systems. Educational missions to Europe and the European occupation of the Middle East and North Africa created avenues for the exchange of social values and customs. Western influence from France and Britain sponsored ideas with in the Ottoman Empire that reform of gender roles in society was necessary. Pressure for this reform emerged from many sources; external influence through the instruction of occupying Western Civilizations and the internal influence of the elite and rising educated middle class. The debate of gender roles raged through the 19th century and was more intense in the last two decades. Opinions on this issue varied dramatically then and today. Conservative religious leaders primarily denounced the idea while some western educated individuals called for a more radical immediate change.
             The direct influence of France and Britain in modernizing the region promoted the construction of secular schools and government institutions. Once these institutes were established the question who is to be educated arose. Naturally the Western world powers believed that their educational and social arrangements were the optimal solution. To them it was evident that educational opport...