Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

Background and Purpose: While the body of literature on children of immigrants continues to grow (Alvarez, 1992; Portes & Min, 1993; Rumbaut, 1996; Rumbaut & Cornelius, 1995; Portes & Rumbaut, 2001; Suarez-Orozco & Suarez-Orozco, 2004), there is a paucity of literature on socialization of immigrant Muslim children. Few studies have attempted to examine the socialization by immigrant South Asian mother (Maiter & George, 2003), Muslim mother (authors, in press).

This qualitative study examined differences between the socialization of female children by immigrant and first generation Muslim mothers. Research questions that guided the study were: What are the similarities and differences in (1) hopes and aspirations of immigrant and first generation mothers for their daughter?; (2) challenges faced by the two groups of mothers?; and (3) strategies for socializing the girls?

Methods: In-depth case studies were carried out with 20 mothers, 10 immigrant mothers who came to America with their daughters, and 10 first generation mothers who came to the US as children. The interview schedules consisted of guided questions about migration experiences of the two groups of mothers, challenges and worries in raising daughters, hopes and aspirations, cultural and societal expectations, and socialization strategies. The data for the two groups were analyzed separately as follows: First, each of the 10 interviews was analyzed through open coding and identification of themes. Thematic analyses were conducted separately for each case study and then a comparison was made between the 10 case studies to uncover similar themes separately for the two groups of mothers. Data was examined further to uncover sub-themes. Reliability checks were conducted with the participants to verify whether the findings reflected their understanding of their socialization process and parenting methods. Results: The immigrant Muslim mothers initially migrated to the U.S. for their children's future. They felt responsible for their daughters' behaviors and attitudes. They were vigilant and worked hard to assure that their daughters follow Islamic religious practice; gain the necessary education and life skills to enable them to lead a good quality of life; and have the necessary skills to inculcate Islamic values in their grandchildren. Three themes common to both sets of mothers were: promoting high achievement and self sufficiency and a life style that reflects Islamic values; and protecting their daughters from negative forces in US society. Unlike the immigrant generation, the first generation mothers were all working mothers. They expected their husbands to “help” with socialization of their daughters. Their acculturation experiences guided them to be more aware and understanding of the challenges their daughter, e.g. racism, sexism, and challenges of multiple social roles and identity conflicts, and socialized their daughters accordingly Implications: The findings of this study provide knowledge about an increasing population number of Muslims in America. These findings are in contrast to popular image of Muslim women who are dependent and oppressed. The findings also provide social work educators and practitioners information about cultural and religious contexts of Muslim women.