“Because I Am Muslim, I Cannot Wear a Swimsuit”

Drawing on the works of postcolonial critical feminist and Arab Muslim feminist scholars, we discuss in this paper how 4 muslim girls (ages 14–17 years) negotiated their participation in opportunities for physical activity. Data collection methods included self-mapping questionnaires, digital photos, private journal entries, and recordings of informal conversations. We discuss (a) how three discursive challenges emerged in veiling-off opportunities for physical activity, and (b) how the girls uncovered alternative ways of being physically active. To promote active life practices with muslim girls, we need to (a) navigate the diversity of young muslims within the intersecting discourses in their lives that potentially challenge their participation in physical activities, and (b) honor young muslims' choices while negotiating their chances of maintaining physical activities.

Key words:

• discourse
• gender
• hijab

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Manal Hamzeh

Please address correspondence concerning this article to Manal Hamzeh, the Department of Sociology & Women's Studies Program, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001, MSC 3WSP, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001