Career Education for Muslim Girls: Developing Culturally Sensitive Provision

Abstract

Research undertaken in England during 1999 identified that ethnic minority groups have diverse career needs, and while this is generally recognised few initiatives had been instigated to address them. If the career education needs of Muslim girls are to be effectively met, a shift away from a predominantly ethnocentric provision, based on western values, is required. This article explores the impact of religion and culture on Muslim girls' career choices, and provides a rationale for the development of culturally appropriate career education for this group. An overview of the ‘Muslim Girls Careers Education Pack’ developed by the authors during 2002 is provided, initial findings from an ongoing evaluation are discussed, and issues concerning the introduction and management of differentiated provision are considered.