Open AccessInvestigating the Self-Perceptions and Experiences of Veiled Women in Pakistan
Author(s) -
Sidra Noor,
Muhammad Abduh Malik
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of south asian studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2308-7846
pISSN - 2307-4000
DOI - 10.33687/jsas.009.03.3864
Subject(s) - prejudice (legal term) , empowerment , social psychology , perception , psychology , qualitative research , islam , interpretative phenomenological analysis , sign (mathematics) , gender studies , sociology , social science , political science , law , philosophy , mathematical analysis , theology , mathematics , neuroscience
The present phenomenological study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of veil-taking women. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 purposefully selected Pakistani veil-taking women. Construct validity of the tool was checked through expert opinion from 5 experts from social sciences and qualitative research fields. Respondents reported three main reasons for taking the veil: Islam and Quranic values, family norms, and fashion. All the participants looked at their veil approvingly and considered it a sign of respect, freedom, and empowerment. However, some women reported that they had faced prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypical attitude due to their veil. The study suggests that wearing a veil or not should be the right of a woman. Neither should a person be ridiculed, harassed, or discriminated for taking; nor for not taking it.