Date of Award

Summer 8-2013

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Department

Anthropology and Sociology

First Advisor

Marie des Neiges Léonard

Advisor Department

Anthropology and Sociology

Abstract

Ni Putes Ni Soumises (NPNS; English translation: “Neither Whores Nor Submissives”) is a French, largely Muslim, feminist political organization that aims to promote laicité (secularization), mixité (the ability for women to fraternize with men), and gender equality. I have conducted an organizational case study including the triangulation of data comprised of critical analyses of the NPNS website, Facebook group, and other documentation and publications, to identify whether and how this organization has been successful in igniting social change. Findings indicate NPNS has grown its movement from one location (Paris) to forty-eight chapters throughout France, seven international headquarters, and has obtained consultative status with the United Nations. This was possible in large part due to media outlets such as the Internet, and more specifically Facebook and the NPNS website. Success can also be attributed to the willingness to cooperate with other organizations, devotion to education, thorough research and understanding of social problems, and the continuity of NPNS’s message and goals.

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