British Muslim women: dreaming identities – insights from social dreaming

Abstract

This article explores the challenges facing British Muslim women in the UK today in the face of increased racism. Taking Fanon as an initial inspiration, we ask how can British Muslim women reconcile a British and Muslim identity when Government strategy and widespread prejudice make these two identities irreconcilable? The study uses Social Dreaming as a method to provide opportunities for uncovering hidden and unconscious emotions and thoughts among the participants. We provide a contextual background followed by an analysis of the dreams and associations provided by the group. We conclude that the difficulties in identity for the women are accompanied by profound emotions of fear, mourning and desperation, as well as gender insecurities in relationships with men. Finally, we suggest that policy makers and community leaders should focus on issues around belonging, acceptance, safety and agency for British Muslim women in order to encourage stronger and fairer integrated communities.