A complex interplay between religion, gender and marginalization: Pakistani schoolgirls in Hong Kong

Abstract

AbstractThis article investigates the complex interplay between religion, gender and marginalization among a group of Pakistani schoolgirls in Hong Kong. It is found that the participants experience multiple marginalization and develop various strategies against disadvantageous positions. It is also found that, while the Pakistani girls attempt to extricate themselves from the gendered practices in their heritage culture and its customs that marginalize and confine women, they simultaneously seek to establish an Islamic or Muslim identity that differentiates them from local girls. It argues that, while mainstream culture has, to a certain extent, released Pakistani girls from the oppression and pressure of religion and customs, they have not been provided sufficient guidance to realize their dreams, making the release temporary and uncertain. The implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.Keywords: genderreligionmarginalizationethnic minorityPakistani girlsHong KongView addendum:Addendum AcknowledgmentsThis study is supported by the General Research Fund awarded by the Hong Kong government (reference number: 443213)Additional informationNotes on contributorsMingyue (Michelle) GuMINGYUE (MICHELLE) GU is Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction of Faculty of Education at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.