ABSTRACT
This chapter critically explores the extent to which the idea of the postsecular, and in particular the postsecular city, has opened up a more creative discursive and empirical space by which to reflect on the role and experience of religious women in producing and planning the urban. After highlighting a genealogy of the concept of the postsecular city, the chapter goes on to investigate the emerging theme of postsecular feminisms, as a corollary to the postsecular city, before outlining some contrasting examples of postsecular urban feminisms by which to illustrate some of the breadth and complexity of this growing agenda. Examples of post secular feminist phenomena are given from within both the Christian and Muslim contexts, with reference, for example, to feminists challenging the relationship between the state and the Russian Orthodox Church, the role of the Virgin Mary as a radical figure, and also to the position of women within Muslim cities. This chapter provides a conceptual introduction and urban context to many of the issues discussed in this book.
