Bortom en ridå av fördomar : Elevers erfarenheter av att bära slöja i svensk skola och deras tankar kring feminism

Sammanfattning: This study examines what experiences female, Muslim pupils have of wearing veil in the Swedish school and their thoughts about the veil and feminism. The method used is a qualitative semi structured interview study based on six pupils at an upper secondary school in south Sweden. The theoretical framework in the essay is based on multicultural education and postcolonial feminism. The results of this study reveal that the respondents have both positive and negative experiences of wearing the veil in school. On the one hand we find that none of the respondents share any story of being seriously discriminated or offended on the grounds of wearing a veil. On the other hand, are the pupils, either in specific situations or in general, feeling alienated through subtle gestures, looks and whispers in school. Regarding the respondent’s thoughts about feminism, the study concludes that all the respondents accept the fundamental values of feminism, that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men. Simultaneously they feel skeptical about the term ‘feminist’ and that feminism entails a certain way of life where the veil doesn’t belong. One important remark on the outcome of the study is that it would be desirable to incorporate discussions about other cultural phenomena in education, as the veil for example, which would not only make the education more pertinent to more pupils but also educate the pupils in intercultural sensibility. Secondly, a more nuanced education about the diversity within feminism could have the potential of including pupils who, for different reasons, are feeling a resistance against feminism.