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Critical reading log of two articles
This undergraduate essay critically evaluates two articles to delve into gender studies, emphasizing the nuanced understanding of gender beyond mere visible traits. It explores Sara’s ideas on “troublemaking” as a framework for organizing queer and feminist thoughts and Maya Mikdashi’s insights on the complexities of studying gender in the Middle East. The essay highlights the importance of contextual knowledge and advocates for an inclusive approach that encompasses men and sexuality in gender analysis.
October 21, 2021
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
Reading Log 1
This is a critical reading log of two articles. The first article is “What is Troublemaking by Sara.
The second article is “How not to Study Gender in the Middle East” by Maya Mikdashi, a
Professor at the New Jersey-based Rutger University.
An objective evaluation of gender develops as one thinks critically about this conception.
Mikdashi (2012) indicates that gender does not involve “what is perceptible to the human eye but
the manner in which what exists comes to manifest.” Therefore, a researcher ought to acquaint
1
himself with the history of a specific region before engaging in a discussion about gender. In this
respect, Sara indicates that reflecting is a critical skill when it comes to matters concerning social
transformation. Sara develops the concept of troublemaking to explain how she organizes her
2
queer and feminist thoughts. She indicates that reflection directs her sentiments as she deliberates
on troublemaking.
I find Mikdashi’s and Sara’s articles insightful as they inform the reader about the
intricacies that underpin gender. I connect these works with my comprehension of gender as a
construct that involves men and women rather than directing all the focus on issues concerning
women in society. Mikdashi is mostly concerned with studying gender in the Middle East, and
her article deduces the principles that define gender. She asserts that researchers should direct
3
Maya Mikdashi, “How Not to Study Gender in the Middle East,” Jadaliyya, July 10, 2017,
1
accessed August 29, 2023, https://www.jadaliyya.com/Details/25434.
Sara, “What Is Troublemaking?” TROUBLE, accessed August 29, 2023, https://
2
trouble.room34.com/archives/5.
Maya Mikdashi, “How Not to Study Gender in the Middle East.”
3
focus to the object of the study. In particular, Mikdashi emphasizes that a researcher should be
specific regarding the region, country, and period that forms the background image of a specific
study. Sara seemingly expounds on this idea by indicating that troublemaking has significant
value to the individuals who engage in political, theoretical, personal, and ethical projects
associated with social transformation. I connect with Sara's position because she emphasizes
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that troublemaking helps researchers organize their thoughts in relation to feminism. Mikdashi
adds that studying gender requires the incorporation of sexuality since this is an integral part of
gender analysis.
My evaluation of Mikdashi’s and Sara’s works leads me to conclude that gender involves
every person. Mikdashi indicates that no person can classify himself or herself as ungendered,
while Sara contends that critical thinking about troublemaking plays an integral part in
challenging the status quo. Mikdashi supports this position by indicating that attention to gender
5
should not be limited to matters like genitalia or the sexual preferences of a specific group of
people, as this recreates the study of gender as an evaluation of the manner in which men treat
their women. Sara conceptualizes troublemaking as a way of perceiving and acting differently in
the world. She indicates that troublemaking brings together different practices as a way of
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developing critical thought, which is designed to challenge the status quo. Mikdashi seemingly
responds to this position by indicating that gender politics do not always come in packages that
are neat and familiar since matters such as gender justice and exercises in epistemological
Sara, “What Is Troublemaking?”
4
Maya Mikdashi, “How Not to Study Gender in the Middle East.”
5
Sara, “What Is Troublemaking?”
6
hegemony are involved. Ideally, the two readings support the position that matters relating to
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gender should be evaluated through an objective lens instead of dwelling on the prevailing social
norms.
In conclusion, Mikdashi and Sara articulate gender issues. Mikdashi advocates
troublemaking as ideal in addressing systemic gender issues. On her part, Sara cites gender
issues in the Middle East as not exclusive to women or the LGBT community but as also
affecting men. Mikdashi's and Sara's, therefore, calls for an open mindset rather than reliance on
mainstream notions about gender or ways of doing things.
Maya Mikdashi, “How Not to Study Gender in the Middle East.”
7
Bibliography
Mikdashi, Maya. “How Not to Study Gender in the Middle East.” Jadaliyya. Jadaliyya,
March 21, 2012. Last modified March 21, 2017. Accessed August 29, 2023. https://
www.jadaliyya.com/Details/25434.
Sara. “What Is Troublemaking?” TROUBLE. Last modified May 4, 2015. Accessed August
29, 2023. https://trouble.room34.com/archives/5.
October 21, 2021
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Academic level:
Undergraduate 1-2
Type of paper:
Essay
Discipline:
Gender Studies
Citation:
Footnotes
Pages:
2 (550 words)
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
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