Afsaneh Najmabadi

Afsaneh Najmabadi-Evaz crop

Afsaneh Najmabadi is an Iranian-American scholar known for her extensive work in the fields of gender studies, women's history, and Middle Eastern studies. She is a professor at Harvard University, where she holds positions in the History Department and the Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality program. Najmabadi's research primarily focuses on the history of sexuality, feminist studies, and the history of women in Iran, making significant contributions to the understanding of these subjects both within and outside of Iran.

Early Life and Education

Afsaneh Najmabadi was born in Iran and pursued her higher education in the West. She received her B.A. from the University of Manchester and went on to earn her Ph.D. from the University of Oxford. Her academic journey reflects a deep engagement with issues of gender, sexuality, and history, which have remained central to her scholarly work.

Career

Najmabadi began her academic career focusing on the history of science before shifting her interests towards gender and sexuality studies, particularly in the context of Iran. Before joining Harvard University, she taught at Barnard College and Columbia University, where she was instrumental in developing programs and courses on women's studies and Middle Eastern cultures.

Her work is characterized by a critical examination of the construction of gender and sexuality, exploring how these constructs have been shaped by historical, social, and political forces in Iran. Najmabadi's scholarship is notable for its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on history, feminist theory, and cultural studies to offer nuanced insights into the lives of women and the LGBTQ+ community in Iran.

Key Publications

Among her numerous publications, two of Najmabadi's books stand out for their impact and scholarly contribution:

• The Story of the Daughters of Quchan: Gender and National Memory in Iranian History – This book explores the narratives surrounding women's roles in the national history of Iran, focusing on a specific incident in the late 19th century. It is a critical work that challenges dominant narratives about gender and national identity in Iranian historiography.

• Women with Mustaches and Men without Beards: Gender and Sexual Anxieties of Iranian Modernity – In this groundbreaking study, Najmabadi examines the shifts in gender norms and sexuality in 19th-century Iran, highlighting how modernity was negotiated through changes in gender and sexual practices. This book has been highly influential in the fields of gender studies and Middle Eastern history.

Awards and Recognition

Najmabadi has received numerous awards and fellowships in recognition of her scholarly contributions, including grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the MacArthur Foundation. Her work has not only advanced academic understanding but has also contributed to broader discussions on gender and sexuality in the Middle East.

Legacy and Impact

Afsaneh Najmabadi's work has had a profound impact on the fields of gender studies, women's history, and Iranian studies. Through her rigorous scholarship and dedication to uncovering the nuanced realities of gender and sexuality in Iran, she has opened new avenues for research and dialogue. Najmabadi's contributions go beyond academia; they offer critical perspectives for activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersections of gender, sexuality, and culture in the Middle East.