2. Globalization, Identity and Islamic Finance
Fieldwork and interviews
Johara Dubai
Findings
FINDING A JEWEL
3. Constant motion: objects, persons, images, discourses and
capital (Appadurai)
Modern process of constructing self-identity is an ongoing and
dialogic process (Giddens)
Cultural psychology finds that humans have a strong need for
positive self-evaluation (Heine et al.)
Multiple cultural identifications (Shweder et al.; Bell and Das)
Most prevalent way: group identification (Kinnvall)
In the past: geographic
Current research: links culture, identity and space (Sparkes et
al.; Low)
Institution as “culture broker” (Mazzarella)
GLOBALIZATION AND IDENTITY
4. Piety: inner feelings and outward practices (Mahmood; Kuran;
Mawdudi)
Islamic moral values with normative capitalist business
practices
Identity politics (Henry and Wilson; Mandaville; Smith)
Institution: physical and psychological space
How do Islamic finance practitioners negotiate identity
formation within the context of modern globalizing processes?
Gender identity in stand alone women’s branch
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ISLAMIC
FINANCE?
5. Conventional
Often separate entrances
Rarely separate branches
Johara = first women’s branch
BANKING IN THE GCC
8. Gender segregation reflects cultural values
Culturally it is like that, whereas Islam never has prohibited
women from interacting, within decent limits is required,
keeping your values and culture in mind, it has never prevented
them from meeting. You learn the roles; it is a part of life. But
in here it is the minimum interaction with male counterparts.
That’s the culture…
Rania
FINDINGS: RANIA
9. Gender segregation primary to decision and ability to work
outside the home
Miss Lutfi
Unmarried
Family objects to working alongside men
Working increases economic independence
FINDINGS: MISS LUTFI
10. Morally preferable
You feel more comfortable, it’s my point of view, in an Islamic
place since we are Muslims. In an Islamic place…whatever
thing which is going in this bank it is per Shari’a. And you feel
like whatever money you are earning, it is like halal.
Sadia
FINDINGS: SADIA
11. Renegotiate local identifications and practices through
institutional structure
Upholds local values related to gender
Economic independence for females
Upholds morality in the workplace
So…
Normative global financial practices and local moral gender
practices advance both: Islamic finance as a culture broker:
Identity is formed in a gendered space, but experienced in the
context of a global financial industry.
CONCLUSIONS