ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses theoretical/methodological issues inherent in the study of "other" women. It explores the impact of the colonial war of conquest on women. The French venture radically changed women's lives. The book examines the complex relationship between nationalism, colonialism and gender. It addresses the various cultural changes and contradictions that have affected relations between women and men since 1962. Such contradictions help to understand the lag between economic change, family law, politics and everyday life. The book analyzes the emergence of academic feminism as well as a women's movement. It also explores the rise and fall of the faith-based movement as well as its social program as it affected women. The book further explores the contents of "cultural nationalism" as spearheaded by Ibn Badis and the 'Ulama movement.
