The Elephant in the Room: School Experiences of Muslim Children of Turkish Heritage

• In Event: Multicultural Education From Multiple Perspectives

Abstract

Utilizing theoretical constructs of ideological becoming and agency, this qualitative case study illustrates the way Turkish immigrant children negotiated their religious identities across school experiences, nationality, and culture. Results of data analysis from interviews with children and parents, observations and cultural artifacts indicate that the children chose strategies that made their religious identities invisible, or found new ways to negotiate their stance on religious practices. Participant children seemed at ease in reconciling American identities with their Muslim identities. Learning about the experiences of immigrant parents and children may encourage teachers to create educational experiences that are responsive to these communities. This knowledge base can also assist teachers in better responding to biases about Muslims, which might negatively influence children’s development.

Author

• Zeynep Isik-Ercan, Rowan University