Educational Attainment and Career Progression for British Muslim Women: Some Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

British Muslim women lag far behind other sections of the British society in educational achievement, particularly in higher education. This paper examines the conservative culture of first-generation Muslim immigrants that discourages social interaction and learning in a liberal Western setting. It surveys the underlying theological aspects of Islam to show that no racial, cultural or gender bias is promoted when it comes to who should learn and pursue knowledge; on the contrary, learning in Islam is an obligation for all. It then explores two of the critical factors that influence British Muslim women's participation in education namely, the issue of arranged marriages and the wearing of modest dressing and veils. These issues have become somewhat of obstacles to Muslim women in their participation in educational institutions and career progression in Britain. Do these factors necessarily hinder Muslim women? What other aspects of British life contribute to their lack of academic achievement? If so, what is the way forward? The paper attempts to answer some of these issues in an exposition limited by both length and time.