Muslim/Arab women in America: A study of conflictual encounters between traditionalism and feminism

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study:

"Muslim/Arab Women in America" is a qualitative study of the conflictual encounters between the traditionalism inherent in the particpants' foundational culture and the rather radical, pro-feminist American cultural orientations and practices. The study shows how Muslim/Arab immigrant women experience the loss of the familiar, how they view themselves as a part of the American society, how they explain the conflictual encounters, how they regard their faith, how they accept or reject the veil, how they maintain their culture, and what they mean by "traditionalism" and keeping traditions.

Findings and Conclusions:

The findings suggest that the ten participants, each from a different Islamic country, have difficilty assimilating in a society that tends to stereotype Muslims, women in particular. All the Muslim participants are American citizens with the exception of one. In a democratic society and from a multicultural point of view, I found that the experiences of the Muslim women can well lead to a curriculum that meets their needs and prepare the newcomers for smoother integration. Social class and education played major roles in the women's integration. I concluded that there is a need for a curriculum that can introduce them to a higher order of transformation apart from the mosque where they are usually taught from religious doctrine.