Discrimination against Veiled Women in the West: Social Isolation

Author

Amina M. Abdallah, CUNY City CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Department

International Relations

First Advisor

Jacques Fomerand

Second Advisor

Annie Pforzheimer

Keywords

social isolation, discrimination, nibaq, hijab, prejudice, veiled women

Abstract

This research examines the discriminatory practices faced by veiled women in the West that impede their integration into their local communities or lead them to feel socially isolated. Societal prejudice and, in some cases, the laws of the land often solidify this isolation of Muslim women and girls from the rest of the world. These victims of social oppression face discrimination based on multiple factors, such as their religion, race, and sex.

This study analyses preconceived notions regarding veiled women, incorporating evidence from seventeen qualitative interviews done with veiled Muslim women residing in the West, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, and France. The current study documents mainly the social isolation resulting from discrimination against veiled women, a point many previous studies tend to overlook; social isolation from these discriminatory practices is quite evident among Muslim women and girls who feel that the chador, hijab, veil, and all other religious headgear are used to identify them as targets for discrimination.

Recommended Citation

Abdallah, Amina M., "Discrimination against Veiled Women in the West: Social Isolation" (2022). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1093