The influence of Islam on second generation Pakistani Americans
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Authors
Shah, Saima
Issue Date
2008
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study examined the influence of Islam on second-generation Pakistani-Americans and their ability to acculturate into the American culture. Three females and two males responded either to flyers or word-of-mouth information. Through one-hour interviews, each participant spoke about how they have been able to acculturate or assimilate their Pakistani culture into the American culture and the role that their religion, Islam, has played in the acculturation process. Supportive parents who were open-minded and accepting of their children's choices made the acculturation process easier. The process was made even easier with the support of friends and peers; either that or a high enough level of self-esteem and confidence that the opinions of others did not have much of an impact on the participants. It was observed that one of the factors that led to higher levels of self-esteem and confidence was a strong knowledge base not only of Islam but of other religions, as well as an understanding of how Islam is perceived in the United States.