The book “Honour Killing: The Intersection of Patriarchy, Gender, and Religion” is a case study and in-depth research by Ms. Melissa Pichard in collaboration with Professor Jacobo Schifter, published in December 2011.

Honor killing is the act of killing a member of a family or community by other members, with the belief that the individual has brought shame upon the family or community. Honor killings often target women and girls, but can also extend to men.

Disrespect and shamelessness usually result from one of these behaviors or the suspicion of such behaviors.

1. Wearing a type of clothing that is not accepted by society or family.

2. The desire to annul or prevent forced marriages or to choose one’s own marriage, especially with someone who is considered unsuitable by society.

3. Sexual relationship outside of marriage with the opposite sex or a sexual relationship with the same sex.

The modern world is divided into various sections of cities, countries, regions, and continents, resulting in a convergence of different cultures and religions. Therefore, a specific definition of culture and religion cannot be provided. However, in this booklet, culture is defined as “a distinct collection of spiritual, material, intellectual, and emotional characteristics of a society or social group” and also includes “art and literature, lifestyle and coexistence, value systems, traditions, and beliefs”. Religion, on the other hand, refers to “human relationships in a sacred, spiritual, or divine form, and a hierarchical pattern that leads to injustice, oppression, and violence against women, and is clearly evident in cases of honor killings.”

The foundations of patriarchy from different cultures and religions create a particular understanding of gender roles and how a woman should conform to such constructions in order to be accepted in such a culture or religion. Therefore, in this booklet, we are faced with a discussion and debate on discovering how to reconcile religion and women’s rights. Where these two clash, they create a multi-cultural and non-violent society in which the rights, dignity, and status of women are preserved.

In this booklet, a list of reports from the United Nations, books, and articles from various countries and societies around the world regarding honor killings, especially in Arab and Muslim communities, has been examined and can serve as a good source for finding different resources in researching honor killings in English.

This booklet, with the identifier “IXPC 6005” from the Gender and Peace Studies series, was published by Ms. Melissa Pichard in collaboration with Professor Jacobo Schifter on December 16, 2011.

Interested individuals can download and read this booklet for free from online libraries.