Female Muslim-American students' perceptions of socio-cultural accommodation in California public high school
This study examined the perceptions of a sample of female Muslim-American students regarding their socio-cultural accommodation in California public high schools. The research provides insight into the daily lives of female Muslim-American high school students to be available to counselors, teachers, and administrators. It also illustrates female Muslim-American students' struggle in trying to adjust to the school environment. The study used perspectives from the theoretical framework of social and psycho-social development, principles of multi-cultural education, and education in Islam. The research was based on data gathered through focus groups and individual interviews with six female Muslim-American first-year university students. The study findings suggested the following: Stereotypical assumptions among fellow students, teachers, and administrators exist with regards to female Muslim-American students on California public high school campuses. Also, despite the lack of accommodation for their religious and socio-cultural practices and the fact that they are socially marginalized, the female Muslim-American students interviewed during this study were able to graduate from high school and attend university. The students attributed their success in high school to the support of their families and religious life, which prepared them to be resilient and to overcome the challenges presented by common misconceptions during their high school years.
Muslim students, United States, Discrimination, Arab Americans, High school students, Education
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