Perceptions of communication and education about sexuality among Muslim immigrant girls in the US

• Published in: Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning Society and Learning, 2004-10, Vol.4 (3), p.255-271
• Main Author: Orgocka, Aida
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Daughters; Females; Focus Groups; Illinois; Immigrants; Interviews; Mothers; Muslims; Prevention; Risk; Sex Education; Sexuality; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• ISSN: 1468-1811; 1472-0825
• DOI: 10.1080/1468181042000243349

This research explored how Muslim immigrant girls' communication and education about sexuality was mediated through their mothers and school-based sexuality education (SBSE) classes. Thirty mothers and their 38 daughters living in Illinois participated in focus group discussions and individual semi-structured interviews that gauged girls' and mothers' perceptions regarding communication about sexuality and SBSE. Thematic analysis showed that little communication regarding sexuality happened between mothers and daughters, and that which did occur was confined primarily to the risks premarital sexual relationships posed to the social order. Furthermore, participants reported that although SBSE classes were informative, they perceived that these classes marginalized Muslim girls' experiences and decisions to abstain from premarital sex by primarily emphasizing prevention from sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Given these perceptions, some participants opted not to attend SBSE classes. This research contributes to enriching the knowledge base of sexuality educators and communities regarding the diverse challenges immigrant youths face in learning about their sexuality. Alternative ways to reach Muslim immigrant youths are discussed.