A lot of these things nobody talks about: South Asian Muslims' perceptions of dating behaviours and abuse
Date
2011-07-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The unique meanings people of varying cultures and religions assign to dating
behaviours/abuse along with the context in which these meanings are created are largely
neglected in dating abuse research. Applying intersectionality, I examine understandings
of dating behaviours/abuse from the perspective of South Asian Muslims in Canada. To
unravel the context in which these perceptions are formed, I use intersecting
characteristics that emerged as themes in 11 qualitative interviews, which include:
individual identities, influences of South Asian Muslim and mainstream Western
cultures, and personal perceptions of dating. The majority of participants used religion,
cultures, and nations as identifiers, perceived their communities to be opposed to dating,
and felt pressure to date stemming from Western society. I argue that these intersect to
shape their personal perceptions of dating and the meanings and significance of dating
behaviours/abuse, which revolved around: significance of exposure and sexual
behaviours, control, relationship attachment, and psychological behaviours/abuse.
Description
Keywords
Dating abuse, South Asian, Muslim, Islam, Intersectionality