South Asian American Stories of Self: The Dis/United States of Muslim Womanhood

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the politically charged aspects of an American Muslim woman's life, including experiences of Islamophobia and the hijab. However, its primary objective is to explore the ways in which women navigate these challenges, offering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of their human experiences. Conducted over a three-year period, this qualitative interdisciplinary study combines cultural and developmental psychology with gender systems analysis. It presents a unique framework that categorizes risks, protective factors, and coping mechanisms based on developmental life stages, ranging from adolescence to adulthood. The findings shed light on how second-generation Muslim American women's identities evolve throughout adolescence (11-18), emerging adulthood (19-29), and adulthood (30-39) within various socio-cultural contexts.

It is crucial to note that discussions surrounding Muslim Americans often conflate "Muslim" with "Arab" or "Middle Eastern," overlooking the diverse backgrounds and cultures within the community. By specifically focusing on South Asian Muslim Americans, this work provides valuable insights into the intersections of South Asian culture with Islam, a topic that has been overlooked in the field. This study contributes to the understanding of American Muslim girls and women by challenging misinformation and stereotypes. It holds significant importance in anthropological developmental psychology and cultural psychology, particularly as it addresses a historically marginalized population. The focus on this population benefits students, researchers, and professionals in the field, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and diverse experiences of Muslim women in America.

Weight: 471g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031158346
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022