The Disadvantage Position of Muslim Women in the UK Labour Market and the Formation of Religious Identity

The Disadvantaged Position of Muslim Women in the UK Labour market and the Formation of Religious Identity

Among ethnic minority groups in the UK, Muslims are generally in a disadvantaged position, experiencing many social and economic inequalities. Muslim women suffer from high unemployment rates and inactivity levels compared to their male counterparts and other ethnic minority women. This is despite policies to reduce the diversity gap in the UK labour market based on gender and religious affiliations. The disadvantaged position of Muslim women can be seen as Muslim penalty and failure of integration and social cohesion. Many of my young educated informants, belonging to second and third generations of immigrants, resonated “ontological insecurity” leading to the formation of Islamic identity. This can often be manifested by embracing visible Islamic dress, which is a conscious decision, despite the disproportionate discrimination and negative attitude towards veiled women as a result of displaying their faith in public.

Applying feminist theory and questioning Muslim women’s place as a marginalized group at the centre of social inquiry, this paper explores Muslim women’s experiences of work in the UK labour market and the ways in which religious and cultural norms and values are negotiated. Collected questionnaires and interviews with more than 60 Muslim women in the UK, illustrate their attitude towards religion and work, particularly paid work outside the home environment. My findings indicate a feminist consciousness within the Islamic framework, whilst searching the principles of Islam on gender issues free from cultural contaminations. They promote their interests, rights and gender equality both in the family and wider society in multifaceted and sometimes contradictory ways.