Research on Muslim families living in Western countries has highlighted the crucial role of the family in cultural, linguistic, and religious belonging. The Islamic family system is at risk due to globalization, which has turned it into an unstable and imbalanced family. The foundations of the Islamic family system are deeply influenced by modern ways of thinking popular among Western society.
The institution of family in Islam is not just a social construct but a divine framework that nurtures love, compassion, and stability. Many Muslims have received Western training, and ethnic communities in the British Muslim population have close family arrangements. However, migration and the minority context have added new pressures to the Islamic family system.
The research emphasizes the importance of context in shaping Muslim identity in Western societies. Two categories of society are Origins (Islamic Countries of Origin for Muslim migrants) and Destinations (Western Countries of Origin). To maintain their identity, Muslim individuals and groups have created different types of cultural and communicative strategies.
The religious identity, belief, and practice of Muslims who settle in Western countries are affected by factors such as high divorce rates, single-parenthood, and the formation of a new immigrant minority religion. Muslim communities are considered the fastest-growing religious group in the world, and caring for them in healthcare requires knowledge of their cultural and spiritual values.
Muslim families face historical, cultural, and global challenges that create a difficult context for their identity formation process. Instilling Islamic views to children, especially in Western countries, is challenging. Islam takes a more conservative stance, arguing that the family is a divinely inspired institution with marriage at its core. Westernism is a philosophy based on the supremacy of the self over everything else, including family, friends, and society. Being a Muslim woman in the West is a trailblazing and rebellious balancing act that comes with many pressures and questions.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Muslim Family in a Dilemma: Quest for a Western Identity | Muslim Family in a Dilemma provides empirical examinations of many problems in the Muslim family in the U.S. and Europe, such as divorce, mental health, and the … | rowman.com |
| Growing up Muslim in the Western World | Having grown up as a Muslim in the Western world has taught us to be resilient, learn how to adapt, and also understand the importance of community. | medium.com |
| Islam and Western Culture | by AW Palmer · Cited by 3 — Islam’s relationship with the West, though it goes far into antiquity, has been overburdened with rivalries and marred by conflicts. | kennedy.byu.edu |
📹 Norway’s Muslim immigrants attend classes on western attitudes to women
Every immigrant in Norway must attend classes on female rights and respect for women. The lessons were made compulsory after …
How Many Wives Can A Muslim Have?
Polygamy, particularly in the form of polygyny, is permissible in Islam as per Sharia law, allowing a Muslim man to marry up to four wives. The Quran mandates that a husband must treat all wives with justice, both emotionally and financially. The practice is deeply rooted in divine principles and is justified primarily to provide social justice, particularly for orphans. Although a man may marry one, two, three, or four wives, he is not permitted to have more than four at one time.
Islamic jurisprudence details conditions for this practice: the ability to justly manage relationships among all wives. The Quran, specifically Surah 4, Verse 3, addresses this allowance, emphasizing that polygamy is a responsibility rather than an entitlement. This raises questions about gender parity, as women cannot marry multiple husbands, contrasting with the allowance for men.
Even though many Muslim-majority countries permit polygamy, the actual practice is relatively rare, with fewer than 1% of Muslim men having multiple wives. Conversations among the youth reveal varied perspectives on the relevance of polygamous unions today. In essence, while polygyny is allowed under Islamic law with specific regulations, Islamic tradition does not support polyandry, ensuring clarity in marital structures in the faith.
What Do Muslims Call Their Relatives?
في اللغة العربية، تُستخدم مصطلحات مثل أب (أخ) للأخ، أخت (أخت) للأخت، وجد (جد) للجد، وجدّة (جدة) للجدة. يختلف أسلوب التسمية بين العرب؛ إذ ينادي الأبناء آباءهم عادةً باسم "بابا" أو "يابا"، بينما يُستخدم "أبي" نادرًا. ليس من المحرمات أو غير القانوني مناداة الأم أو الأب أو المعلمين بأسمائهم الشخصية، لكن يُعتبر غير ملائم لأن ذلك يتعارض مع العادات الدينية المتبعة. يعكس القرآن أهمية الاحترام والمحبة بين أفراد الأسرة، حيث يُظهر النبي محمد ﷺ نموذجًا يحتذى في تعامله مع عائلته.
تُعد العائلة الأساس المتين في المجتمع، وتظل روابطها بين الأفراد قوية. تتسم الأسماء العربية بالترابط العائلي، حيث يفضل كثير من العرب استخدام الألقاب مثل "ابن" أو "أبو" متبوعة باسم الأب. الأجيال الأكبر سناً تُعامل برفق ومحبة، ويُعتبر خدمة الوالدين واجبًا مقدسًا. يُظهر أيضًا أن العائلة تشمل أقارب مثل العمة والخالة وابن العم، حيث يتميز المجتمع العربي بالتقاليد المتعلقة بالأسماء والروابط الأسرية العميقة.
What Is The Culture Of Muslim Family?
The Muslim family comprises an extensive network of familial relationships, including in-laws, with strong emphasis placed on obligations to parents and relatives. Extended families often reside together or nearby, maintaining emotional closeness. Grounded in Quranic principles and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the family institution in Islam embodies love, compassion, and stability, contrasting mere social constructs.
Many Muslim families are large, potentially spanning three generations, which provides a support system during uncertain times. Age is respected, with wisdom attributed to life experience, and caring for parents and the elderly is deeply valued.
Central to a Muslim family's identity is worshiping Allah and upholding His religion, fostering love, cooperation, and respect. At events, insights reveal that while the attributes of Islamic family life are appealing, families must aspire to genuinely Islamic ideals. The traditional nuclear family includes a legally married couple and their children, along with parents, siblings, and relatives, balancing rights among family members.
Family life is pivotal for spiritual, moral, and social growth, repeatedly highlighted in the Quran. It serves as a primary source of identity and connection. Additionally, Muslim women are encouraged to engage in external responsibilities while maintaining family roles akin to the Prophet's era. Challenges arise from migration and cultural pressures, yet the family remains central in Islamic society and values.
What Are Cultural Traditions For Muslims?
Muslims adhere to a structured set of traditions and beliefs central to their faith, including praying five times daily and participating in the obligatory Friday prayer at local mosques, where large gatherings occur. The term Islam translates to "surrender," underscoring the core belief in submission to God. The Five Pillars of Islam outline essential religious duties: the declaration of faith (shahādah), prayer (ṣalāt), charity (zakāt), pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj), and fasting during Ramadan (ṣawm).
Additionally, Muslims embrace six articles of faith, creating a unified belief system among over 1. 8 billion followers worldwide, making Islam the second-largest religion. Cultural practices vary, including dietary restrictions and healthcare needs, which require awareness of Islamic values. The major division within Islam is between Sunni and Shia sects, influenced by historical and theological factors, with local interpretations shaping beliefs.
Additionally, Muslims acknowledge diverse traditions, such as the inclusion of Alevis in Turkey as fellow Muslims, highlighting the richness of Islamic culture. The holy month of Ramadan is significant for fasting and community worship, reflecting deeply rooted practices of devotion and unity. Overall, Islamic traditions encompass both individual and communal expressions of faith, fostering a rich tapestry of global Muslim culture.
What Is The Muslim Term For Family?
ثلاث كلمات عربية تعبر عن مفهوم الأسرة: أهل، عائلة، وأسرة. وفقًا للإسلام، الأسرة هي مجموعة من الأفراد تنشأ من اتحاد رجل وامرأة عبر عقد يسمى النكاح. مفهوم الأسرة في الإسلام مستمد من الوحدة والقرب والحماية، حيث تعتبر مؤسسة مقدسة تربط الحب والرحمة والاستقرار. الأسرة المسلمة تتكون من زوج وزوجة وأطفالهم، إضافةً إلى الآباء والأشقاء والأقارب. يحقق النظام الأسري الإسلامي توازنًا بين حقوق الزوج والزوجة والأبناء والأقارب، ويشجع على السلوك غير الأناني والكرم.
الإسلام يضع الأسرة في مركز التطور الروحي والأخلاقي والاجتماعي، مع التأكيد على معاملة الأطفال للآباء برفق. هذا الإطار الإلهي للأسرة مستمد من تعاليم القرآن وسنة النبي محمد ﷺ. يتم تجميع الأفكار المتعلقة بالحياة الزوجية واحترام الأهل ورعاية الأطفال، بالإضافة إلى مقارنة الأسرة الإسلامية بالأسرة الغربية. الأسرة تعني في العربية "عائلة" ويُستخدم فيها أيضًا كلمة "أُسْرَة". توجد كلمات متعددة ترمز للأقارب، مثل والدين، أولاد، وإخوة وأخوات.
What Is The Role Of Muslim In Society?
Muslims are urged to embody justice within society by ensuring equitable distribution of wealth, fair legal decisions, and equal treatment of family members. Many Muslims desire sharia as the nation's law, interpreting it primarily for Muslims while expressing broad support for democracy and religious freedom for others. Many advocate for religious leaders to influence politics and view Islamic political parties favorably.
Muslim thinkers have historically navigated shifts from colonialism to postcolonial governance, prompting discussions on their political and social roles. Moreover, there is tremendous diversity in beliefs and practices among Muslims, rendering generalizations often inaccurate.
Islam promotes altruism and prosocial behavior, emphasizing community engagement through mutual aid societies. The premodern romanticized image of Islam contrasts sharply with modern Islamic social movements that reframe these traditional views. Family is central to Islamic society, essential for nurturing children and promoting communal ties. Islamic teachings, derived from the Quran and hadith, guide all aspects of life, advocating justice, equality, and respect.
Knowledge of Muslim societies is crucial in a globalized context, enhancing understanding of both Islamic and local communities. Ultimately, Islam encourages ethical living and community building while adapting to contemporary societal needs, challenging misconceptions and emphasizing its fundamental principles of justice and compassion.
What Is Muslim Called In English?
The plural forms of "Muslim" in Arabic are muslimūn (مسلمون) and muslimīn (مسلمين), with the feminine form being muslimāt (مسلمات). The term used in English is "Muslim," while "Moslem" was the preferred spelling until its decline in usage. Islam, an Abrahamic monotheistic religion, centers on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final messenger of God. Muslims, estimated at around 1. 9 billion worldwide, form the second-largest religious group after Christians.
The term "Muslim" signifies one who submits to God’s will, derived from the Arabic root aslama, meaning "he resigned." In contrast, the term "Moslem" historically implied a negative connotation. The Quran contains the core teachings of Islam, emphasizing the unity of God (Allah) and Muhammad's role as the last prophet among figures like Adam and Moses. Essential practices include the five daily prayers (salat), called by the adhan, inviting the faithful to commemorate God.
The name "Islam," meaning submission, reflects the core belief in one true God and the obedient lifestyle expected of followers. In a religious context, Islam translates to faith and piety, while Muslim denotes a believer in this faith.
What Are Muslim Beliefs About Families?
Many Muslims regard the extended family as the cornerstone of Islamic society, with a strong emphasis on caring for older family members, exemplified by the Quranic verse: "Lord have mercy on them, just as they cared for me when I was little," (Qur'an 17:24). In Islam, the family is fundamental to life and society, delineating specific roles: the man as the head, the mother as the nurturer, and children as respectful members. Close-knit, loving relationships are encouraged, often resulting in large families that include multiple generations, providing emotional and practical support.
Respect is attributed to age, and caring for elder relatives is considered a duty. These values derive from divine guidance in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who emphasized family as a sacred unit.
Islamic family values establish fundamental rights ensuring the well-being of all members, fostering an environment of love, loyalty, and obedience. The family structure is not just a social framework but a divinely ordained institution that nurtures compassion and stability. Additionally, the Islamic family system balances the rights of husbands, wives, children, and relatives, promoting altruism and generosity.
The significance of parents is paramount, as underscored by numerous Quranic verses and Hadith. The family, formed through marriage, embodies mutual responsibilities. Cooperative practices like shared meals and prayers enhance familial bonds. Islam views the family as foundational to the community, guiding social stability and moral growth, with marriage seen as divinely ordained for companionship and support. Finally, maintaining close family ties is rooted in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the emotional and social importance of family life.
What Are Important Cultural Considerations When Caring For A Muslim Family?
Modesty and religious practice are essential for healthcare professionals in providing care to Muslim patients. Offering longer gowns with full-length sleeves and providing additional blankets can enhance patient comfort. Cultural competence is crucial, as it enables understanding the Islamic faith's impact on healthcare decisions and practices. Healthcare providers must approach topics like alcohol and smoking sensitively, recognizing that Islam prohibits them.
Key concepts to understand include Ramadan, dietary restrictions, and modesty. Ramadan entails fasting, and professionals should acknowledge this when planning care. Additionally, understanding dietary restrictions related to Islamic beliefs is essential for effective care. Privacy for daily prayers is necessary, providing a space for Muslim patients to practice their faith. Nurses should be knowledgeable about cultural and spiritual values, as these can influence attitudes towards healthcare and recovery.
Providing culturally competent care can alleviate patient stress and improve comfort during hospital stays. Furthermore, understanding the diverse aspects of Muslim culture, such as modesty, privacy, and dietary needs, enhances overall patient care. Ultimately, kindness and respect are paramount when working with Muslim clients, ensuring their values and beliefs are honored in healthcare settings.
📹 Building a strong Muslim Family in Western Society by Sh Mohamed Jabeer
This is the problem: the Norwegians don’t need to understand YOUR culture. You are in Norway, it is your duty to understand Norwegian culture and adjust. You’re a guest. FOR EXAMPLE, when I lived in Saudia Arabia, I adjusted my life to their culture, whether I agreed with it or not. It’s called Respect. I didn’t go there, drink, chase women or petition to start a Christian church. Why is this so difficult?
5:00 I’m sorry, but there’s a reason why this couple are stuck at these classes. The teacher DOES look at your background and how you respond in class. When I moved to Norway with my parents from Iran, they had to attend this class twice. After the second class, the teacher told my parents that they don’t need to attend this class anymore, because and I quote “You already knew the Norwegian values”. Some immigrants in Norway DO refuse to integrate!
I’m an Asian American who was born to immigrants. And honestly I think it’s all about balance. Learn the language and culture of the host country to adapt. However, it doesn’t mean you should throw away your previous culture either. I feel like you can continue your previous cultural practices as long as it doesn’t cause harm to the citizens of the host country. So you can eat, sing, and dance differently from the host country. Your home itself can represent your heritage, being filled with objects and traditions that remind you of home. However, when you are interacting with citizens of the host country, you should act accordingly with the manners of that country. Edit: Oh wow thank you everyone for the likes! Edit 2: and for those asking in the replies, I do condemn the treatment of women as objects. As a woman, I am especially disgusted since these men in the article seem to be using “culture” as an excuse. As mentioned above, you can do anything from your culture as long it does not harm anyone.
I’m seeing a huge display of disrespect to Norway and their people who have opened up their country for these people to be safe.. And they say that they need to learn about their culture too? No, they can respect it, but they don’t need to learn about it because they are not living in YOUR country. YOU are living in THEIR country. Have some respect for the teacher that takes hours out of her day to help you all.
The asylum seeking student had the nerve to say Norwegians have to learn about their customs too. They are the ones seeking asylum in Norway. If they can’t accept Norwegian custom and adapt their live styles to it, then why don’t they seek asylum in a country that already have the customs they prefer to adhere to.
It is common decency that when you come to a foreign place, you learn something about the culture there, and you act accordingly. But that doesn’t and shouldn’t mean that you actually have to leave your values behind. It is perfectly possible to respect something that is different from yourself, without totally adopting it.
As an immigrant to the US, I have always felt that I needed to adapt to US norms and culture, without loosing my own. I have confronted racists that have treated me less than an American. But My father and I are both US military veterans that would fight for this country in a minute because it has taken us in, and with all it’s faults has given us much. You either respect where you migrate to or you leave and return to the paradise you came from!
The Syrian teacher says at 4:21 that Norway is (culturally), “like a mental hospital” and that “they don’t understand our culture.” This is ALL the explanation that these governments should need in terms of why there is cultural breakdown and wide-spread crime; he is point-blank saying that he thinks Norwegian values are crazy and that he believes that Norway is somehow wrong and accountable for not “understanding” and to adapting to HIS cultural values. They’re not remotely trying to hide it. It is sickening that the governments in the EU aren’t waking up to what they are allowing to happen more quickly. It’s so scary.
in Vietnam a mantra we say:”Nhập gia tuỳ tục” it means that when you visit a place, you must follow that place lifestyle. It doesn’t make sense if you come to a host and ask the host to follow you. You can keep whatever etiquettes and manners belong to your cultural life, but when you join a new company, a new society, you need to follow their cultures.
The basic rule: When in Rome, do as the Romans do” The men interviewed here seem to think it is their right to behave as they did in their home country. You are guests in Norway. You should respect your hosts and their rules. I think the Norwegians are being very patient given this disrespectful behavior.
No wonder the Europeans are getting pissed at the immigrants. Almost all of the men who spoke in the class were hostile and clearly not willing to accept western culture. When you are a guest in someone house or someone country, you should be respectful of their ways. Their poor attitudes make me question if they are even thankful to their host country.
The way these people are acting towards Norway’s hospitality is just mind-blowing to me, you have a country that took you in and offered you peace, in return, you should at least respect their values and culture. but instead, you rave about how misunderstood you are and how Norwegians don’t respect you. I DON’T BLAME THEM, and this is coming from an Arab Muslim.
My heart is hurt seeing the immigrants are reluctant to learn Norway cultures and values. And I am not even Norwegian. The Norwegian help you guys, please respect their values. I’m from a developing country and I am very thankful for those countries who open to immigrants. You can’t rely on adults, we put our hope in their children. Please teach the children well 🙏 I hope the best for Norway.
I’m left-leaning independent who is of Middle Eastern descent. These refugees land on the doorstep of any Western countryside asking for asylum and somehow they expect American constitutional freedoms? They expect they can just transplant their lifestyle and norms just minus the war. Ok, well, sorry, not all Western nations are built the same way. Norway is more than just a country without war. If you can’t be bothered to understand the laws and customs of the society of your choice, then what are you even doing there? 100% good on Norway – very reasonable and rational solution. If you are a migrant who already understands Norwegian customs, you would be too sympathetic to be offended. If you are a migrant who doesn’t understand Norwegian customs, then you would be too ignorant to be offended.
“But they also need to learn about us too” – red flag right there. In sensible terms, no, they don’t have to learn, because they are not in your land. You are the guest here, so learn the host’s ways. The lack of this basic comprehension is exactly why Europe and every asylum providing country is burning.
As an engineer it irritates the heck out of me to hear “a woman cannot fix a house”. There are and have been women in the world that build their houses from scratch, stone by stone, there are women construction workers, engineers, mechanics, doctors, phycisists. And they do just as well as men. I can change the wiring in your house, I can install electric facilities, program an arduino circuit to do stuff. And guess what, I’M A WOMAN.
I am 100% for these classes. And there should also be more classes like this one on various issues, as well as ABSOLUTELY 100% compulsory language classes. Anyone who is naive to believe that these classes are not needed obviously hasn’t had 1st hand experience with refugees. I had plenty of experience, and I had a chance to closely see the dynamics and attitudes that they bring with themselves. Classes like these are absolutely necessary.
“We had one example, he wanted to be close to a norwegian lady, but she hit him and he was shocked” Euhrmm I never got hit by a girl when ‘wanting to be close’ I suspect that this ‘wanting to be close’ is sexual assault, a crime that went unpunished by the norwegian legal system and she just laughs it off. Great.
2:40 Sorry, but this is so cringe. They are literally saying their culture and Norwegian culture are on complete opposite polls. Why do people insist with this madness called forced immigration? Scandinavian culture is diametrically opposed to theirs. Even other Europeans have issues adapting to the social distopia of Norway/Sweden, let alone people from the Middle East. This article is 8 years old. Who’s going to pay for all the issues we’re witnessing now? You are.
Why do they find it odd that when they are allowed into a country, that they have to accept and respect the culture in that country. Immigrants who arrive in Norway are given a house to stay in, an extremely safe environment, free education and tons of other welfare goods. I think it’s great that we can afford to give them that, but they also have to give it their all and try to understand and love their new home.
Started perusal and wondered why the report was so skewed then realised it was the Guardian. I don’t understand their attitude. They are being offered sanctuary in another country and offered classes on understanding the native culture and their response is ‘they should understand our culture too’. Honestly, is that the response of someone who is escaping persecution and thankful they have escaped with their life? Something is not making sense.
I have the feeling these people (at least the ones in the classroom) generally know our way of life but strongly disagree with it. When they say “it’s not an hour which will make changes, we need time”, to me it means “we will keep our views and beliefs on western lifestyle during this long learning process”.
When you immigrate to another country because they have offered you succour and taken you in, it is incumbent upon you to learn their ways, their language and their culture as the dominant culture. You’re not there to try and change their culture or insist on continuing your own. They don’t need you, you need them. Those are the facts. If immigrants don’t like it, then they have choices to go elsewhere. (I would observe the same thing myself if I moved to somewhere in Asia, for example. I would follow their ways and not expect any concessions to my religion or culture. Sadly, for Muslims, their religion is their culture as well given that Islam is a complete system of life more than any other religion. Most don’t appreciate that until they travel to places in Africa or Middle East and experience it for themselves (some experience culture shock, I did initially when in Syria).
9:25-10:05 – What an attitude. Absolutely no incentive to change. So why go to Norway, why come to the West if you have no interest in adapting? Again, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Oh, except this rule of thumb does not apply to certain MIddle Easterners who admit to only pretending to care about settling in and becoming part of the nation that has allowed them to emigrate there. Not a sniff of gratitude; only haughtiness and snideness.
I’m a woman in a male dominated field and struggle to get the recognition I deserve from some of my peers. A colleague i met who came from Ethiopia told me to read a book called “why women can’t read maps and men don’t ask for directions.” His suggestions opened my eyes to sexism in the workplace. The comment the man made about women not being able to fix houses rubbed me the wrong way and reminded me of this.
If we removed the rights to welfare, free housing and healthcare for these immigrants (since it’s funded by taxpayers), the incentive to immigrate to Norway from these countries would fall drastically. Also it was ridiculous how the journalist interviewed mainly well educated men (or so they said), whilst the large majority are far from educated, with little schooling. So many arriving 6 years ago still speak little or any Norwegian, but expect to be supported by welfare. It’s just not economically feasible in the long run. Culturally they make parallel societies, with their own internal “justice”system.
‘They want everything to be equal’. No, we just want everyone to have the opportunity to pursue any career they want–to not have stereotypes and discrimination stand in the way of any man or woman who is willing to put in the work to do a job. If this is threatening to you, that’s your own personal issue.
Good for Norway standing up for themselves. Multiculturalism seems like a real nice idea, until they have to live with one another. Then it clashes, especially when it comes to Islamic and Western culture. Things need to be compatible, or people must learn to adapt and assimilate to the culture which they migrate to live amongst. There is nothing xenophobic about that. Wanting to preserve the western system of ethics, morals, and law, is not bigotry.
How is it that the hundreds of thousands (ok – millions) of East Asians who’ve migrated to Western countries over the last ~200 years dont try to impose their values on the locals ? Many of the Chinese and Vietnamese who’ve moved to Australia are from very conservative societies but I’ve never once heard a complaint from this section of our community about the way women dress at the beach or in pubs and clubs. People from the Middle East either get it or they don’t and I doubt that any number of cultural awareness classes will change that. Anyone who struggles with the idea of women driving a car or working alongside men would feel like they’d landed on Mars if Western Europe was their first experience of the outside world.
I am a Russian who moved to the Netherlands. Although my views are very in line with Dutch views – I would still love to have such lessons. Sure it is amazing when people can share their culture, but you should understand that there are some rules and norms you need to follow, if you want to live there
When you immigrate to a country (Voluntary/ refugee) you HAVE to take the majority responsibility and integrate yourself. Period. They should be grateful for the fact that they were not left behind in the hellhole then ran away from to stay alive and just respect the law of the land. How difficult is this to understand man? Jesus
How do you reverse a lifetime of cultural conditioning from birth, through the first 3 or 4 critical years when most people are permanently imprinted, with a few weeks of weak classes? There are those who argue that the two cultures are fundamentally incompatible. There is some merit to this argument, statistically speaking. Norway will either stop the inflow and send a large chunk of their migrants back (or elsewhere) or they will cease being Norway.
In Norway we are attempting to integrate immigrants, not assimilate. This is difficult because of strong cultural roots the immigrants have to their own countries. Some people accept it, some people ignore it and some chose to fight it. There is no need to generalise people – which is easier to accept when you have had first hand experiences with all different types of people. Still though, we need to aknowledge the fact that immigration can be and a problem when integration is not done right. The Norwegian youth learn to reflect through a 13 year long school course (before higher education), I really do hope most of us are able to use that ability to reflect on the matter – self criticism and questioning your own thoughts is important. It is a really bad habit to be one-sided, try to look at everything from different angles. You really aren’t doing anything productive or contributing to a debate by being one-sided.
“It is better for women if they are not equal ” Women are biologically not as strong as men, yes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have strength at all. Also equality is about equal opportunities. “Women can’t fix house” Don’t know exactly what he means by this. “Build” a home or fix as in plumbing etc? Women do and have done both. I’m wondering if they understand her accent or if they can understand English enough. Interesting article overall. The culture difference is definitely a problem. No idea if this program can help though.
They said “respect” the inmigrant’s culture but they seem not to have interest in learning the country’s way of life. Their new home. They are there because they have to and that’s is Great!!! No excuses like, well, in my country we did this and that and it was ok. All just to avoid consequences for their own actions.
These guys are just beyond lucky and privileged that they’re able to live in such a beautiful country yet still be arrogant and awful. There are so many people who could make use of migration and really need a better place to live. Guys like thse don’t deserve a great place like this where they come to make women uncomfortable and place their standards.
No sir, you are moving to their country they don’t have to equally learn about you. My mom’s family came over from Syria to Pittsburgh in the 20s. Im so grateful there was an expectation of assimilation then. Still love the food and parts of the culture but my Great Grandfathers children became proud Americans and that’s all. You don’t impose yourself on their country pal. Learn about it and adjust.
Concerning comment by hijab I wearing woman at the end, that her dress is being policed by migrant men but, as she says, they aren’t commenting on the dress of Norwegian women. People in these immigrant communities who try to stand up against the imported cultural/religious practices dictated by other members of their community need support. Otherwise parallel cultures will develop with the potential of one subsuming the other due to demographics.
I came from immigrant parents and they always told me when you go to a new place, you adapt and perhaps you can make a peaceful impact by being yourself. You CHOSE to go to this new place, you are they guest. Yes there should be another understanding from the host’s part but you have to follow the rules that were ALREADY THERE BEFORE YOU
I’m Syrian and it was easy for me to adapt to German lifestyle in someway because my father had a “western” way of handling himself and the way he spoke, interacted and saw people, so me and my family always got made fun of a bit for acting western. But the classes I feel are sort of mandatory to adjust and be able to interact with different cultures and interact with people from different countries
WTF? First of all I am so happy that the immigrants aren’t interested in my country Croatia. I don’t hate foreign people, but because of what is happening the past 2 – 3 years I am really happy about that. Those few who stayed here seem to be quite ok, they are learning our language and I never heard that something bad happened. These people can stay of course. But what I don’t get is, why do we have to assimilate to them?? I mean if you go to another country you will assimilate to them…. that is the normal way. It doesn’t matter if it is just for a vacation or for a longer stay. No one says that you have to forget about your heritage and that you can’t practice your religion or culture BUT you still have to live under the law of a certain country and respect it. Not only the law but all the people who live there, adapt to the way of life. We aren’t obligated to adapt the way of life of a muslim immigrant. Sure you can learn about their culture and stuff if you are interested in it. If you don’t like the system of a certain country you a free to leave. But I guess the money of the social system is way better than where they are from. This kind of feels like the Ottoman Empire part 2.
I’m sorry but is not the country who’s giving you asylum the one who needs to “understand” your culture, you are the one who needs to adapt, and if you don’t want to or can’t then you should not seek asylum in a western county, you could seek asylum in a place with a culture more similar to your own.
I cant understand how you can leave a country that you feel is to dangerous to live in and then come to a different country that is paying to house you and then tell these people that they need to except you. No you need to learn to be respectful because you are now a guest and your cultureal doesnt work otherwise you would have not needed to move. So learn to respect
Its obvious that immigrants like these just want to reap the benefits of having an european citizenship, yet dont bother to respect the culture of where they’re living in. its even surprising that the locals themselves are the ones giving the opportunity for those immigrants to adjust rather than the other way around. Im an immigrant who came to Qatar and was raised here, yet I have never experienced a meeting with locals just so we could know each other. The locals here always have the upperhand and immigrants are just second class people. It is only by living and learning through the years that I come to know and respect their cutlure, despite not fully agreeing to it. As the saying goes, when in Rome, do what the romans do.
Here in the uk we have a massive problem with asylum seekers, refugees and overall multiculturalism. In my opinion, anyone who comes here from a country that is different in culture to us should have to take classes on how to fit into western culture, if they don’t then they aren’t given benefits, they have to pay for healthcare and they should be deported for even the most minor of crimes.