Gender, Race, and Symbolic Boundaries: Contested Spaces of Identity among Arab American Adolescents

Abstract

Attention to social patterns within immigrant groups provides a critical means for discerning processes of ethnic identity formation. This study draws from the theoretical foundations of boundary work to examine identity formation among second-generation Arab American adolescents. Contested spaces of identity emerge as teens distinguish themselves from immigrant culture and “white” society. Focus group discussions highlight the significance of gender relations and the way in which interpretations of religious teachings shape identity formation. Specifically, boundaries drawn reflect moral superiority by controlling girls' behaviors as interpretations of religious teachings are used to justify restrictions. However, while these boundaries provide significant markers of in-group inclusion, they also are contested. This study concludes by discussing the implications of symbolic boundaries lodged in race, gender, and religion and suggests avenues for future research.