The Jewish Bourgeoisie of Egypt

Modernity, Socio-Cultural Practices and Oral Testimonials

Abstract

This paper deconstructs the notion of modernity among ordinary people in theEgyptian Jewish community during the colonial era. Analyzing modernity asa lived experience, this paper discusses three socio-cultural practices utilized by members of the community in order to construct and appropriate a shared modern identity and enjoy the new opportunities it offered. Drawing on Bourdieu’s concept of habitus, it discusses the use of language, residential dispersion patterns, and mixed marriages in the context of defining modernity.The paper additionally draws attention to factors such as gender, and to the central role of the family as a framework that allowed for adaptation to rapid change. Finally, relying primarily on oral sources, this paper points to the tremendous potential of testimonies for research of modern Middle Eastern societies.