Navigating Identity and Conflict Through Social Identity Theory: Muslim Women's Resistance Against Western Stereotypes in Seema Yasmin's Muslim Women Are Everything
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf20251566Keywords:
muslim women, identity conflict, stereotypes, empowerment, agencyAbstract
Introduction: Seema Yasmin’s Muslim Women Are Everything challenges prevailing stereotypes by showcasing the diverse identities, roles, and achievements of Muslim women worldwide. This study explores the intersection of identity and conflict within Yasmin’s work, focusing on how Muslim women navigate the tension between self-perception and the reductive labels imposed upon them by societal and media narratives. By examining this struggle, the paper seeks to contribute to the broader discourse on representation and empowerment.
Methods: This study employs Social Identity Theory to analyze how Muslim women assert their complex identities as an act of resistance against external stereotypes and societal expectations. The analysis focuses on Yasmin’s portrayal of Muslim women in various fields, including science, the arts, and activism. The research examines how these women negotiate their identities within both public and private spheres, emphasizing their resilience and agency.
Results: The findings indicate that the conflict between personal identity and external perceptions creates an ongoing struggle for recognition and acceptance. This struggle is often reflected in the tension between embracing one’s cultural and religious background and the pressures to conform to dominant societal narratives. Yasmin’s work illustrates that Muslim women actively challenge these imposed labels, asserting their agency and rejecting monolithic representations.
Conclusion: By highlighting the resilience and achievements of Muslim women, this study underscores the need to move beyond simplistic portrayals. The research reveals that Muslim women’s identities are not fixed but fluid, shaped by their responses to both internal and external challenges. This fluidity contributes to a broader understanding of identity construction amidst ongoing social conflicts, reinforcing the importance of diverse and nuanced representations in contemporary discourse.
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