Courses: Middle Eastern Studies| Socio-political Studies|
“Rooftop societies” is a groundbreaking investigation into Middle Eastern communities and sociopolitical constructs of the region. The theories and ideas behind “Rooftop societies” are meant for resistance and paint a picture of perpetual antagonism and dualism within these societies. Deep rifts between the state and society, the elites and regular citizens, and modernist forces and religious traditionalism are still vehemently manifested in the sociopolitical and cultural fibers of the region.
Dr. Rahmani understands the rooftop to be a shared cultural and physical space in which many sociopolitical and religious events take place. The people, state, and diverse groups within society have been using this space for centuries either to hide their furtive measures or resist oppression and practice their identities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fereydoon Rahmani is a visiting professor at York University in Canada, where he teaches courses related to the Middle East and Human Rights. He received his B.A. in Sociology from the University of Tehran, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Vienna in 1999. He has been active in research and teaching at different universities and international institutions in Europe and the Middle East. His focus is on topics related to violence, human rights, social justice, social demography, quality of life, democracy in the Middle East and minorities’ rights and struggles.
