HIJAB AND IDENTITY: COMPARATIVE NARRATIVES OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN WESTERN AND SOUTH ASIAN SOCIETIES

Abstract

This study explores the hijab as a symbol of identity, faith, and resistance in the lives of Muslim women from Western and South Asian societies. By analyzing qualitative narratives, the research highlights how Muslim women define, negotiate, and express their identities in diverse cultural, social, and political contexts. In the West, hijab often signifies resistance to Islamophobia and asserts religious identity amidst secular pressures. Conversely, in South Asia, the hijab may reflect traditional values, religious devotion, or socio-familial expectations. The study draws upon in-depth interviews and thematic analysis to uncover the nuanced motivations and meanings behind hijab practices. It challenges binary perspectives that view hijab as solely oppressive or empowering and instead situates it within women's lived realities. The findings emphasize the importance of context, voice, and agency in understanding Muslim women's experiences with the hijab and contribute to global gender and religious discourse.