Scholars in Context: Shada Bokir
Jadaliyya's Scholars in Context series consists of Q&As in which scholars of the Middle East describe their research and the paths they took to arrive at it. The series provides a platform for these scholars to highlight the significance of their work, identify the audiences they seek to reach, and outline their future research trajectories, giving readers an in-depth look at the latest research in a given field.
Jadaliyya (J): What is the main focus of your current research and how does it connect to or depart from your previous work?
Shada Bokir (SB): My current research examines the intersections of gender, power, and cultural identity in Middle Eastern contexts, with a focus on Yemen. This work builds on my foundation in post-colonial literature by extending the theoretical concepts of identity, representation, and resistance into anthropological inquiries.
Previously, my research was centered on literary analyses, particularly exploring how post-colonial texts negotiate cultural and political power. Over time, my focus has evolved toward incorporating social anthropology to analyze how these dynamics manifest in real-world cultural practices and everyday lives. This interdisciplinary approach connects literature and lived experience, enriching both fields by bridging the textual with the sociocultural.
J: What particular topics, issues, and literature does it address?
SB: My research addresses themes such as gendered power dynamics, cultural resistance, and identity construction in post-colonial and Middle Eastern contexts. A significant focus is on the lived experiences of Yemeni women, as seen through visual anthropology and literary narratives, examining how societal norms shape and constrain gender roles while also providing spaces for resistance.
I engage with key works in post-colonial theory (such as those by Edward Said and Homi Bhabha), feminist anthropology (Lila Abu-Lughod), and Middle Eastern studies (Suad Joseph). My work also incorporates visual anthropology to study how material culture and visual representation, such as photography, construct and negotiate social identities. This interdisciplinary framework allows me to address complex cultural and social issues comprehensively.
J: What brought you to this work? What was the source of inspiration?
SB: My journey into this field is deeply rooted in my experiences as a Yemeni scholar and my engagement with the underexplored narratives of Middle Eastern and Yemeni cultures. Growing up in Yemen, I witnessed the multifaceted ways gender, tradition, and power intersect in everyday life. These observations inspired my early academic focus on post-colonial literature as a means to understand cultural resistance and representation.
Later, as I delved into social anthropology, I was drawn to the ways anthropology complements literary studies by grounding theoretical insights in ethnographic realities. My research continues to be fueled by the need to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly those of women in Yemen and the broader Middle East, in both academic and public discourse.
J: What audiences would you like to reach, and what kind of impact would you like your research and writing to have?
SB: I aim to reach interdisciplinary academic audiences in fields such as gender studies and Middle Eastern anthropology, as well as advocates focused on cultural representation and gender equity. Beyond academia, I hope my work resonates with broader public audiences by challenging stereotypes and fostering nuanced understandings of Middle Eastern societies. Through my research, I seek to empower individuals and communities whose narratives have historically been marginalized, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of cultural identity, gender, and resistance.
J: What other projects are you working on now?
SB: Currently, I am focusing on researching the Hadhrami tribes of Yemen and their historical role in conflict resolution during and after the British colonial period. This project examines the complex interplay of tribal governance, negotiation, and mediation practices that shaped local power structures in the region. Of particular interest is the role of women in these processes, where despite prevailing patriarchal structures, they often played key roles in maintaining social cohesion and facilitating peace.
J: Your background combines both practical experience and academic work; how do you reconcile those two distinct worlds in your research?
SB: The synergy between practical experience and academic inquiry is central to my work. My years of teaching, coupled with fieldwork in Yemen and beyond, have grounded my research in real-world cultural dynamics while providing a space to apply theoretical frameworks.
For instance, my experience with Yemeni communities has informed my understanding of gendered cultural practices, which I analyze through the dual lenses of literary and anthropological scholarship. Similarly, my work in visual anthropology is enriched by my firsthand engagement with material culture and the individuals creating it. This interplay allows me to produce research that is both theoretically robust and deeply connected to lived realities.
J: What is your advice for rising academics or those starting their career?
SB: For emerging scholars, I recommend embracing interdisciplinarity and allowing personal passion to shape academic pursuits. Be open to exploring how your unique background and experiences can enrich your research. In fields like anthropology and post-colonial studies, it is essential to remain critically engaged with the subjects of your work while also being reflexive about your positionality as a researcher.
Moreover, seek opportunities to connect your research to real-world issues. Bridging theory and practice not only strengthens your work but also expands its impact. Finally, resilience and adaptability are key—academic careers often require navigating uncertainty, but staying true to your intellectual curiosity and commitment will sustain you through challenges.