|
|
Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Education
Notes
- Abstract:
- Purpose : The significance and purpose of this study is to explain and understand the experiences of living as a Muslim woman in Trinidad, from a Muslim woman’s point of view. This study allowed women to voice their feelings and ideas about their cultural and religious traditions, as outlined by Islam; more importantly, the study gave voice to Muslim women who by tradition are typically not heard. The main interview question will be “If I followed you through a typical day, what would I see you doing, what experiences would I observe you having?” During the study, the researcher will learn how Muslim women in Trinidad experience and practice their Islamic culture and traditions in a non-Islamic country. The researcher presented the traditional views, cultural and religious significance, and meanings in a way that both insiders and outsiders of the Islamic culture can achieve a greater meaning and understanding of the culture (Schein, 1985). Method : A qualitative multiple case study was used in this research to achieve detailed, in-depth data collection involving multiple sources of information (Creswell, 1998). Semi structured interviews, document analysis, field and researcher notes, and audio taping was used in the data analysis for the case study, which consisted of detailed descriptions of the women’s stories. Data analysis consisted of coding and identifying themes. Major Findings : The study found three major themes and three minor themes related to the experiences and practices of the Muslim women. The most prevailing theme was the Muslim women’s self-expression of independence and individuality. Muslim women expressed themselves through various mediums such as, fashionable Hijabs, “private” sexuality, interactions between family and non-family males, and the practice of polygyny. The Qur’an as the center of a Muslim’s life was the next predominant theme. A Muslim’s strict adherence to the Islamic teachings from the Qur’an, allow them to fit their lives into their religion, versus fitting their religion into their lives. All the participants felt that Muslim women need to educate themselves to their status and rights within Islam. The responses from the participants clearly highlighted a need for more investigation and research into Islam. It was evident from participants’ responses that Islam is a way of life, and it is a life they all choose willingly. The Muslim women all shared varying degrees of concern and fear due to being branded as terrorists. All the participants hoped the outcome of the study would help alleviate the negativity associated with Islam, and help others have a better understanding of Islam.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2007.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 207-222).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Joanna E. Headley. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- HQ1170.H43 2007_HeadleyJoanna ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- HQ1170.H43 2007 ( lcc )
|
|
