The Self-Defeating Nature of 'Modesty'-Based Gender Segregation

Abstract

This article argues that gender segregation in Israel is a form of sexual harassment under Israeli Law, as well as a self-defeating policy from the perspective of Orthodox religious principles. While its motivation is to “clean” the public sphere from any manifestation, real or perceived, of female sexuality, by being so preoccupied with women’s “modesty” it in fact puts their sexuality at the center of attention.

Keywords: gender, sexuality, gender segregation, ultra-Orthodox, feminism, sexual harassment