Kathy Ndinda

Social Development of Muslim Children in the Western Context Kathy Ndinda

Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject Sociology - Religion, grade: A, University of Manchester, language: English, abstract: Within the perspective of social and behavioral sciences, the study of socialization (or social development) has occupied a central space. A commonly accepted definition of socialization has been given by Brim. (Ahmad and Szpara 295-301) In his definition, Brim has stated that, socialization can be defined as a process through which the individuals acquire necessary skills, abilities and disposition that enable them to become an effective or ineffective part of the society. (Ahmad and Szpara 295-301) In the Islamic context, the process of socialization is entirely guided by the laws and regulations that are dictated in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. The process of social development of Muslims become very complex when it occurs in a non-Muslim or western context. (Imtiaz 1-5) This complexity is attributable to the following three major factors: ? The intercultural differences and the difference in the core beliefs that Muslim children confront in the Western society. (Ahmad and Szpara 295--301) ? The difference between the teachings that Muslim children receive from their families and educational institutions. (Halstead 312-326) ? The deteriorating image of Islam and Muslims after the attacks of 11th September 2001 and the negative image of Muslims constructed by the western media. (Reed 1-18) [...]