Being Young, Muslim, and Female: Youth Perspectives on the Intersection of Religious and Gender Identities

Abstract

Grounded in cultural developmental and critical gender perspectives, this study focuses on the narratives of early adolescent Muslim females. The mixed-methods study sample included 26 individuals who identify as Muslim and female and was designed to understand the strengths and challenges they face from a youth-centered and ecologically valid perspective as they negotiate normative developmental experiences (e.g., participating in sports, developing a personal style in terms of dress) given the religious meaning of the onset of puberty. Youth described a wide range of personal, peer, family, and faith based support that they draw on, but also outlined societal and family related challenges. The manuscript concludes with future directions for developmental science scholarship and implications for practitioners and families.