Ethnic Identification and Conflicts of Migrant Muslim Students in Northwest China

• In Event: Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Analysis of International Education Issues

Abstract

Hui (10.6 million), as one of the largest ethnic minority group in China, and Dongxiang, with almost 100 percent of them holding the Islam belief, are migrating from rural to urban areas in Northwest China. After moving to the urban environment, communication with other ethnic groups, predominantly the Han (the majority ethnic group in China), becomes inevitable. Contradictions of rural-urban differences, ethnicity and religion sparkle wide attention and discussion. Look at their ethnic identity, this study found that Islam is deep influence on migrant Hui and Dongxiang students’ identification, and caused some notable conflicts with the urban and school culture. They penetrated in many aspects of their lives such as clothing, dietary restrictions, and religious practice and literacy.

Author

• Tao Wang, University of Washington - Seattle