What Do Pakistani Women Think About European Countries?

 

Many Pakistani women describe themselves as traditional in some aspects but free and independent in others. They pursue their education and career goals, and exercise their rights as democratic citizens. In addition, many women from Pakistan are involved in public affairs, civil engagement, and freedom of speech. Despite their cultural differences, many Pakistani women see themselves as part of the global village.

Differences between Moroccan and Pakistani self-representation

The differences between Moroccan and Pakistani self-representations about Europe are quite striking. While the Moroccan government has little interest in restraining emigration, it is apparent that European employers need migrant labor. Given the high unemployment and low wages of youth in Europe, emigration may continue for some time. Nevertheless, as European economies continue to grow, emigration may begin to decline.

In the present study, we examined the self-representation of Muslim Pakistani and Moroccan women in Italy. We interviewed ten women from both countries in detail through semi-structured interviews. Overall, we found that both groups expressed strong ties to their home cultures, particularly their religion. In this context, it is clear that religious identity and traditional values are crucial factors in identity construction.

Differences between Moroccan and Pakistani acculturation processes

While the two countries share the same religion, their acculturation processes towards different European countries differ in a number of important ways. First, the underlying principles of Islam and the Quran define the common framework in the two societies. However, the way Muslims interpret Islam and apply Quranic norms in their everyday lives is subject to differences. Second, the views of women in both countries are fundamentally different. In Morocco, reformist and liberal perspectives on women’s rights have permeated the society. The 2004 Moudawana adoption introduced a series of measures aimed at promoting the equal status of women. However, the coexistence of Islamic law and Muslim traditions in Pakistan is still a major obstacle in the modernization process.

Third, Moroccan and Pakistani women face a variety of sociology-economic changes when they relocate to Western countries. Both women experience linguistic barriers and face discrimination. They also must redefine their values and beliefs. The literature on immigrant women has focused on the stressors that women experience during the transition process and the challenges that immigrant women face in assimilating to their new home country.

The first wave of migration was predominantly male, but women and children gradually counterbalanced the trend. However, there is still a large gender gap in the Pakistani migration to Italy, where 71% of immigrants are males. In addition, Pakistani women experience greater difficulties in adapting to the new environment and feel a lack of support from their own female network. However, Moroccan women show a more positive adjustment to their new environments. Moroccan women also praise their independence and self-determination, and report feeling less isolated and less lonely in Italy.

Differences between Moroccan and Pakistani identity representation

Moroccan identity representation is shaped by political affiliations and religious practices. Salafist groups, which are associated with Islam, have a more visible place in Moroccan politics. As the monarchy relied on Saudi Arabia to protect its interests and counter revolutionary Pan-Arabism, Moroccan society increasingly adopted Wahhabi-influenced Salafi views. In addition, the largest opposition party in Morocco is the Party of Justice and Development, which emerged from civic organizations inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Moroccan government has fought against violent extremism in the kingdom. It has also countered political and religious tensions by integrating Salafism and other dissenting groups. However, the Moroccan government needs to work more closely with Salafism to ensure a stable society and prevent radicalization.

The extent of cultural and religious diversity in Europe has profound implications for national identity representation. In this study, we compare the national identity representation of Muslim minority adolescents in five European countries with those of their majority peers. We find that the extent of identity compatibility varies widely within European countries, and that the validation of a dual identity depends on the acceptance of the dominant group.

Differences between Moroccan and Pakistani identity representation in European countries are also stark. Also read this Article Escorts in Islamabad Moroccans follow Salafist teachings that are associated with intolerance and radicalism. In Europe, most religious Muslim minorities are not represented in national identity representation.