Articles
“I Am Not Who You Think I Am”: Multiple, Hybrid and Racialized Identities of Canadian Muslim Youth in the Negotiation of Belonging and Citizenship
While other studies explore the challenges faced by Western Muslim youth, this study focuses on the challenges and development of a meaningful stable Canadian-Muslim identity in an era of global conflicts, collective surveillance, and suspicion. Identity-formation is complex, involving the configuration of many influences—direct and indirect, local and global, personal and impersonal. Sometimes aspects of fluid, and multiple identities conflict and individuals are faced with navigating competing and not necessarily commensurable influences. Such is the case with the Canadian Muslim Youth—CMY. Thematic analysis of 30 interviews with CMY, identified five major themes: (a) Navigation of multiple, complex, and hybrid identities; (b) Religious identity and spirituality; (c) “I am not what you think I am”—Media portrayals of Muslims; (d) Claiming inclusion and belonging in the face of anti-Muslim racism; and (e) Recommendations. Listening to CMY voices will help policymakers, practitioners, Muslim communities and organizations to develop strategies for positive youth development.
What it means to be a Muslim youth in Canada: a scoping review of empirical studies
While other studies explore the challenges faced by Western Muslim youth, this study focuses on the challenges and development of a meaningful stable Canadian-Muslim identity in an era of global conflicts, collective surveillance, and suspicion. Identity-formation is complex, involving the configuration of many influences-direct and indirect, local and global, personal and impersonal. Sometimes aspects of fluid, and multiple identities conflict and individuals are faced with navigating competing and not necessarily commensurable influences. Such is the case with the Canadian Muslim Youth-CMY. Thematic analysis of 30 interviews with CMY, identified five major themes: (a) Navigation of multiple, complex, and hybrid identities; (b) Religious identity and spirituality; (c) “I am not what you think I am”-Media portrayals of Muslims; (d) Claiming inclusion and belonging in the face of anti-Muslim racism; and (e) Recommendations. Listening to CMY voices will help policymakers, practitioners, Muslim communities and organizations to develop strategies for positive youth development.
CMY Identity Construction 2023 Community Report
This national community report presents findings from a groundbreaking study exploring how Canadian Muslim youth (CMY) construct, negotiate, and express their identities in the context of Islamophobia, media portrayals, systemic racism, and global conflict. Drawing on in-depth interviews and focus groups with youth from Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver, the report uncovers how CMY navigate hybrid identities, draw strength from their faith, challenge media misrepresentations, and seek spaces of belonging. With practical policy and community-based recommendations, the report is a vital resource for educators, policymakers, and community leaders working to support the mental health, well-being, and identity development of Muslim youth in Canada.
Speeches
Book in Review | The Gate Keepers - Dr.Aamir Jamal | Pashtun & Girls' Education in Pakistan
The Gate Keepers is a book written by Dr. Aamir Jamal that explores the challenges involved in educating girls in the Pashtun regions of Pakistan and how Pashtun men can act as allies to support girls’ education. It is a powerful commentary on the roles and responsibilities that accompany privilege.
Muslim Men and Masculinities in evolving family dynamic - Keynote Address by Dr. Aamir Jamal
International Conference on Women’s Wellbeing and Family Dynamics in the 21st Century, Riphah University, Islamabad, Pakistan
October 26-27, 2024
UCalgary Friends Meet and Greet
Listen to Dr. Aamir Jamal’s speech on the role of students in Canadian society given at the 2023 FriendsCafe Meet & Greet. In this speech, Dr. Aamir Jamal addresses new students and faculty shedding light on important topics of international social work and youth identity development.
CASWE Online Seminar: Navigating International Social Work
“Navigating International Social Work: From Global to Local” was an insightful online panel featuring distinguished experts in international social work, the seminar explored how global perspectives and policies are translated into locally grounded, culturally sensitive and anti‑oppressive social work practices.