Within the perspective of social and behavioral sciences, the study of socialization (or social development) has occupied a central space. A commonly accepted definition of socialization has been given by Brim. (Ahmad and Szpara 295-301)
In his definition, Brim has stated that, socialization can be defined as a process through which the individuals acquire necessary skills, abilities and disposition that enable them to become an effective or ineffective part of the society. (Ahmad and Szpara 295-301)
In the Islamic context, the process of socialization is entirely guided by the laws and regulations that are dictated in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. The process of social development of Muslims become very complex when it occurs in a non-Muslim or western context. (Imtiaz 1-5)
This complexity is attributable to the following three major factors:
• The intercultural differences and the difference in the core beliefs that Muslim children confront in the Western society. (Ahmad and Szpara 295--301)
• The difference between the teachings that Muslim children receive from their families and educational institutions. (Halstead 312-326)
• The deteriorating image of Islam and Muslims after the attacks of 11th September 2001 and the negative image of Muslims constructed by the western media. (Reed 1-18) [...]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Social Development of Muslim Children
3. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the complex social development process of Muslim children living within Western societies, focusing on the conflicting values between their religious upbringing and the Western secular environment, as well as the external impact of media representation.
- Theoretical definitions of socialization within Islamic and Western contexts.
- Core belief disparities and their impact on social integration.
- The influence of family values versus Western school curricula.
- Psychological challenges and identity crises among Muslim youth.
- Media representation and the socio-political impact of post-9/11 events.
Excerpt from the Book
Social Development of Muslim Children
According to the studies conducted by Vertovec and Rogers’ (1998), as quoted in the research of Kabir (2008), ‘young Muslims’ cultural values in various European countries is an amalgam of family and Muslim community values with those of the wider community’ (Kabir 3--5)
The Muslim youth generally face complications while socializing in the western society due to the difference in the values that are instilled in their minds by their elders and the values that are constructed in their minds due to the encounters and interactions with the local geography, peer relationships, schooling, and leisure activities. (Sirin and Balsano 109--111)
As a result of the above mentioned differences the young Muslims are often reminded of their Islamic identity and ethnic rules and regulations inside their homes, whereas, in the outside world the Muslim children struggle very hard to find an appropriate place in the wider Western society, which is quite different from their religious society. (Sirin and Balsano 109--111)
A number of differences exist in the core beliefs of the Muslims and the western society. These differences have an influential impact on the ways in which the Muslim children develop socially in the western societies. Moreover, as it is quite difficult for both, the Muslims and the wider western world, to compromise on these beliefs, therefore, they often act as the major cause of conflicts. (Rashid 205-217)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the concept of socialization in both general and Islamic contexts while highlighting the primary factors that complicate the development of Muslim children in Western environments.
2. Social Development of Muslim Children: This chapter analyzes the clash between Islamic values and Western norms, detailing how family expectations, educational systems, and media-driven negative stereotypes impact the identity formation of Muslim youth.
3. Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the complex nature of the socialization process for Muslim children and suggests that active support from social institutions is required for successful integration and effective societal contribution.
Keywords
Socialization, Muslim Children, Western Society, Identity Development, Islamic Values, Cultural Conflict, Media Representation, Parenting Styles, Educational Achievement, 9/11 Attacks, Islamophobia, Social Integration, Multiculturalism, Religious Identity, Youth Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study focuses on the intricate process of socialization for Muslim children residing in Western countries and the various obstacles they face in reconciling their religious and cultural background with Western societal norms.
What are the central thematic fields discussed?
The core themes include the divergence in core beliefs, the contrast between home-based religious teachings and school-based secular education, and the negative influence of post-9/11 media narratives.
What is the main objective of the research?
The objective is to understand why the socialization process for Muslim children in the West is complex and how conflicting values and external socio-political factors affect their integration.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The work utilizes a qualitative literature review and synthesis approach, examining studies and research from scholars to construct a conceptual framework regarding the social development of Muslim youth.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical definition of socialization, detailed comparisons of Islamic and Western worldviews, family parenting styles, the impact of Western schooling, and the sociopolitical repercussions of events like 9/11.
What keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include socialization, cultural conflict, identity development, media representation, and Islamic values in a Western context.
How does the moral framework of Islam differ from the Western perspective in this study?
The study highlights that Islam adheres to moral absolutism and a unified view of knowledge linked to Allah, whereas the Western view is described as favoring moral relativism and the compartmentalization of knowledge.
What role does the media play in the identity crisis of Muslim youth?
The author argues that Western media contributes to the social exclusion of Muslims by frequently associating the community with terms like "extremist" and "radical," which exacerbates the identity crisis among Muslim children.
How do parental expectations contribute to the conflict described in the paper?
Parents often impose stricter rules to maintain Islamic identity and prevent exposure to what they perceive as morally corrupt Western lifestyle choices, which frequently leads to teenage rebellion and psychological strain.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Kathy Ndinda (Autor:in), 2011, Social Development of Muslim Children in the Western Context, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/270028
