The Influence of Religious Socialization and Partnership Characteristics on the Religious Practice of Veiling

Bianca Brünig

This paper analyzes veiling among Turkish and Moroccan immigrant women in Belgium. As quantitative studies on immigrant religiosity have so far excluded veiling, this study looks at whether individual characteristics of the believer can predict who wears a headscarf. Qualitative studies on veiling have outlined the manifold meaning a headscarf can have. However, quantitative data can additionally reveal which factors influence veiling while controlling for personal characteristics. It is shown that among Moroccan and Turkish women a strong Muslim identity as well as being married is associated with a higher probability of veiling. Moreover, having a co-ethnic partner increases the probability of veiling for Moroccan women. Among Turkish participants, attending Koran lessons as a child is positively and being highly educated is negatively associated with veiling. As veiling is differently predicted among both ethnic groups, the findings are discussed within the context of immigration to Belgium and previous studies.

ISH-Arbeitspapier 2015-01 - Bianca Brünig