The Pendulum Culture?
Integration of Young Muslim Immigrants in East London
by
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Many of the young Muslim men were not in favour of more than one wife and even those who found the idea appealing didn’t think it likely, as it would be too difficult to treat the wives equally. The Muslim women however found the idea far from appealing and although accepting that it was allowed within Islamic law, were adamant that they would not readily agree to their husband taking a second wife. The majority of the Muslim young women when asked: Would you be happy if your husband wanted a second wife? were very adamant when they answered. o No, I wouldn’t agree, said a 21 year old Indian who came to the UK with her husband in 2006. He is 30 years old. o Don’t agree. Not good to take another one. Not good to live with another woman, declared an 18 year old Bangladeshi born in the UK. o Want my husband all to myself, an 18 year old Pakistani born in London told us: I am a very greedy person. If he decides to take another wife I will not live with him any more. I wouldn’t give him permission to marry again.
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About the Book
Many people in the United Kingdom welcome the richness that so many immigrants bring to society, but others are afraid, worrying about the effect of population influx on a small island with limited space. They are especially anxious about Muslims who seem unwilling to integrate. A closer examination shows that younger Muslims—especially those in college—are in fact more willing to integrate than generally believed. But they face difficult challenges in straddling the line between two cultures. At home, they can be faithful to their family culture, but when away, they adapt. Seeking to help different groups understand each other, authors Janusz Balicki and Anne Wells examine the views of a group of Muslim college students. They share firsthand accounts from young Muslims who are navigating multiple cultures. The authors examine issues such as the importance of religious identities and of various traditions, gender equality and dress codes, and relationships between parents and children. Regardless of whether you are Muslim or not, you will understand yourself and others better and find new ways to work together with The Pendulum Culture.
About the Author
Janusz Balicki, Political Science Institute Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw Anne Wells, Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary Immigrant Pastoral Support