Negotiating Religious Diversity: A Qualitative Inquiry of the Perspectives and Experiences of Muslim Parents in Southern California

• In Event: 51.079 - MTCC Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 51.079-4 - Middle Eastern and Muslim Student Experiences in Intercultural Contexts

Abstract

There is an abundance of research concerning diversity issues in American classrooms. However, there is a dearth of research on Muslim parents’ religious goals/experiences with schools. For this qualitative study, the researcher interviewed 8 female and 7 male Muslim parents to explore how participants’ experiences/expectations influence the way they negotiate their religious needs with Southern California schools. The results suggested that participants used cooperation and negotiations as key strategies to maintain relationships with schools. Schools accommodated religious practices when requested and parents negotiated their needs when necessary. Findings also showed that teachers lacked accurate knowledge of Islamic practices. There was a sense of restraint among participants with regards to sharing the school’s name and materials from the school.

Authors

• Arwa Alraheli, California State University, Long Beach

• Jyotsna Pattnaik, California State University - Long Beach