Adolescent Perceptions and Experiences of the Hijab: a Qualitative Canadian Study

In this study, we used a phenomenological method to explore of adolescent experiences of hijabs in a medium-sized Canadian city. Using a focus group for data collection, six Muslim adolescents (two hijabi girls, two non-hijabi girls, and two boys) aged 12-15 shared their experiences regarding hijabs in a public school environment, and described occurrences involving peers, teachers, and expectations. Findings suggested that adolescent girls consider many factors when choosing whether or not to wear a hijab, including practicality and an individual sense of style, along with more internal reasons. Both girls and boys saw wearing a hijab as a way of representing Islam, and discussion about the hijab led them into a broader discussion about being Muslim and their related concern that Islam is often misunderstood. This paper offers insight into adolescent perceptions of wearing a hijab and being Muslim in a largely non-Muslim community.