“The Good Muslim Girl”: A Case of Muslim Girlhood Subjectivity in the Netherlands

Abstract

With regards to Girlhood Studies and the importance of incorporating intersectionality theory, this thesis sets out to explore how a specific group of people who are denied agency on basis of their identity can be understood in their understanding of themselves. While Muslim females are cause for debate in Western societies, challenged or denied agency concerning their identification with an “oppressive” religion, another group of Muslim females are denied agency on basis of their age, namely; young Muslim ‘tween’ females. Operating along feminist standpoint epistemology, this thesis sets out to provide a closer look at how three specific ‘tween’ Muslim girls negotiate their girlhood in a multi-cultural, Western society. Through understanding which identities these girls ascribed themselves and how they performed these identities, this thesis aims to provide insight in their lived experiences as Muslim girls.