Perceptions and Reasons for Veiling

Uma Bhowon and Harshalini Bundhoo

Psychology and Developing Societies, 2016, vol. 28, issue 1, 29-49

Abstract: This qualitative study aimed to capture the views and reasons for veiling by young Muslim women in a social context where ethnic/religious identity is not contested or threatened. In-depth, open-ended interviews were conducted with young Muslim women who had started wearing the veil for the past four to five years. There was consensus amongst the respondents that wearing the veil was an obligation in Islam and it only reflects their commitment to their religion. However, the meaning of the veil was not limited to a piece of clothing. Modesty was considered to be an important dimension of the veil and was self-prescriptive, a reminder to conduct their life according to the Muslim belief system. Wearing the hijab consolidated their awareness of themselves as Muslims and in their practice. The findings are discussed within the multicultural context of Mauritius.

Keywords: Veil; identity; hijab (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:psydev:v:28:y:2016:i:1:p:29-49

DOI: 10.1177/0971333615622894

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