Identity Strategies Among Adolescent Girls of Moroccan Descent in the Netherlands

• Published in: Identity (Mahwah, N.J.) Vol. 4; no. 2; pp. 145 - 169
• Main Authors: Ketner, Susan L., Buitelaar, Marjo W., Bosma, Harke A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hove Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc 01.04.2004; Psychology Press
• Subjects: Adolescents; Cultural Values; Ethnic Identity; Females; Muslims; Netherlands; North African Cultural Groups; Self Concept
• ISSN: 1528-3488; 1532-706X
• DOI: 10.1207/s1532706xid0402_3

Sometimes it is assumed that Moroccan girls in the Netherlands have a problematic adolescence: They are supposed to be "caught between two cultures." Adolescence can be seen as the stage of life in which individuals should develop their own identity by exploring different alternatives. Moroccan girls, however, may not have these possibilities for exploration during adolescence; they seem to be restricted in many ways. This article first looks at these presumed restrictions. In the specific context of belonging to a minority group, the girls' parents regard the traditional rules to be very important. The notion of virginity, for instance, can be a (symbolic) boundary between the migrant community and the society. However, the girls themselves may also choose these traditions. Especially religion provides a "proper" set of rules in a sometimes confusing world. Should these girls, then, be seen as primarily foreclosed in their identity process? And, if so, is that why their adolescence is supposed to be problematic? The girls in this research, however, do not seem to have many problems in the process of their identity construction. They do mention other kinds of problems or challenges. Following traditional rules in a non-Muslim society can cause practical problems or even loyalty conflicts. In response to this, the girls seem to have developed certain strategies that they use to combine the conflicting values.