Book launch - Uyat and the Culture of Shame in Central Asia hosted by George Washington University's Central Asia Program (CAP)

My new edited volume - Uyat and the Culture of Shame in Central Asia - is out and the George Washington University's Central Asia Program (CAP) is hosting our book launch on Oct 27th, 10am DC time / 8pm Astana time. Register here!

This panel proposes an interdisciplinary look at the culture of shame in Central Asia and evaluates its role in the regulation of social and political interactions in the region. Contributors will discuss how 'uyat' relies on patriarchal and hierarchical gender norms that negatively affect women and queer bodies through the taboo of sex education in Kazakhstani schools, favored heteronormativity, and the compliance of parents to give their first born to adoption to the husband’s parents. Yet, some authors will argue that these norms are challenged by young generations. Finally, the panel will touch upon the role of shame in Kazakhstani politics as a form of accountability in the absence of genuine political competition.