"The Veil and the Male Elite" is a book by Fatema Mernissi that explores the relationship between gender, religion, and power in Islamic societies. Mernissi argues that the veil, often seen as a symbol of female oppression, is also a tool used by male elites to maintain control over women and reinforce patriarchal structures. The book examines historical and cultural contexts, highlighting how the veil has been interpreted differently across time and societies. Mernissi emphasizes the need to understand the complexities of women's experiences and challenges the simplistic views surrounding the veil and its implications for gender equality.