Analyzing multiculturalism, feminism, women’s rights and negative social control in the minority community in Oslo The shameless girls and other women with minority background

Abstract

This master thesis study explores the complex issues of negative social control and women’s rights in minority communities, and the public debate around these issues. The theoretical framework of this issue is multiculturalism and feminism, and the tensions between these two approaches. Negative social control is an example of this tension, and the over-arching research aim of the study is therefore: How to deal with negative social control in order to ensure women’s rights in the minority community in Oslo? I address this by conduction qualitative interviews with the shameless girls and other women who has raised their voice and has taken part in the public debate around these issues. The interviews have helped to understand what negative social control is, who are exposed to it, why and how it is legitimized, as well as identifying the challenges and opportunities with taken part in the debate. This has been analyzed and discussed with other empirical research and the two main theoretical approaches, multiculturalism and feminism. The main findings of the study are that negative social control is a complex issue that restricts freedom of those exposed to it. Anyone can be subject to negative social control, however young women in minority communities are more vulnerable. The reason for this is that their sexuality and sexual behavior is closely connected to the honor of the family, and if not acting appropriate the women might bring shame to the family. The culture of shame and honor and patriarchal family structures are used to legitimize negative social control of women. Religion can also be used as an excuse to legitimize negative social control. The debate around these issues have been characterized by polarization and conflicting views, however when the shameless girls and other women with minority background entered the debate last years they have been able to address negative social control and women’s rights in the minority communities, while at the same time addressing minority rights such as discrimination and racism. This has contributed to a more constructive debate focused on finding solutions. The main solutions identified are more knowledge and understanding about the issue, engaging in preventive work by including key actors in the community and arenas as the schools and the mosques and creating dialogue meeting inside the communities. Integration of minorities and the prevention of closed communities should also be and area of focus. It is also important that women realize that they are responsible for taking action and create change in their own life. These measures might be a step in the right direction to address negative social control.