harem

although the harem is negatively perceived in the West as a place of confinement for women, it is not always understood this way by women in some cultures. "In the Middle East, the harem is the women's quarters for living and working protected by male members of the family from outside intrusion" (Marsha J. Hamilton, in Joanna Kadi, ed., Food for Our Grandmothers). Use "harem" only if you understand its many culture-specific ramifications. The ethnocentric and incorrect use of "harem" to describe a man's several women friends implies an inappropriate sense of men owning women. See also purdah, sex object.