This study is to define the ambivalent concept of the dual psychological perspective of the Muslim women's veil. To examine its symbolism, periodic Muslim veils were analyzed and compared by country of origin. This study referenced literature and cond...
This study is to define the ambivalent concept of the dual psychological perspective of the Muslim women's veil. To examine its symbolism, periodic Muslim veils were analyzed and compared by country of origin. This study referenced literature and conducted empirical research including in-depth interviews.
Types and styles of the veil vary from country to country. However, hijab, niqab, burka, and chador were used in this paper from international data presented by the BBC. The symbolism of the Islamic veil was viewed through diversified viewpoints including religious, cultural, social and psychological. The symbolism of Muslim women’s veil and its role in costume culture can be categorized as: 'seclusion and protection', 'resistance and acceptance', 'humiliation and price', and 'concealment and decoration'.
First, a Muslim woman's veil ambiguously symbolizes 'Seclusion and Protection' from a religious and cultural perspective. In the teachings of the Koran, the veil acts as part of the costume. The Purdah institution, an Islamic harem culture, emphasizes isolation of women, while also using the veil for protection. Most of the in-depth interviews revealed how the veil is used to segregate and oppress women, while also benefiting them by offering protection. Muslim women remain silent and follow the command of Allah, but they also wear the veil for physical, social, psychological protection.
Second, the Islamic veil can offer both societal 'Resistance and Acceptance'. The influx of Western civilization and feminism in the Islamic culture has modernized the consciousness of women to unveil and reject its traditional Islamic values that are symbolic to the veil. On the other hand, Muslim women have also accepted the veil as a tool for social empowerment and identity within the Islamic culture. While Western people judged the veil as a tool to oppress women, Muslim women voluntarily chose to wear the veil for their own benefit.
Third, Muslim women psychologically view the veil with 'Humiliation and Pride'. The veil is a lifelong social taboo in Islamic societies, and women are sometimes humiliated because they are forced to wear the it despite their own views on what it represents. However, the veil is also considered sacred and women may find a sense of pride in carrying on its tradition. A patriarchal society demanded women wear the veil to protect their men's honor. Despite the role of women in Islamic society, they feel authority and pride when wearing the veil. Diaspora Muslim women in other countries feel pride when wearing the veil as it helps to define their Islamic identity.
Fourth, the Islamic woman's veil has the ability to express mixed attitudes of 'Concealment and Decoration' through religion, culture, social, and psychology. Culturally, the Muslim women concealing and decorating at the same time through their fashion. These ambiguous expressions match with Flugel's theory of clothing motivation. Although Muslim women wear their veils to hide their faces and bodies, the veil is also used to decorate their appearance and feed their egos.