New Research Study: Layering Muslim Women's Identities

 Advance DIVERSITY in Women's Fashion

The purpose of this study is to examine the modestly dressed body with gender, race, ethnicity, and other subject positions. Modest dress is explored as a point of connection as opposed to a point of division through research with Muslim women who wear a headscarf and women from all backgrounds who do not but dress modestly.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PART 1 - WARDROBE DIARY AND INTERVIEW

This part of the research project is completed in two stages. We will begin with a short 15- to 30-minute introductory Zoom meeting where I will give you more information about the project and help you prepare for your wardrobe interview. The second stage is a 1.5- 2-hour remote (virtual) wardrobe interview where you will get to talk about your clothing, show articles of clothing you have chosen, and discuss your dress practices. Both interviews will be scheduled at a time that works for you.

PART 2 - PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION (OPTIONAL)

This step is completely optional. If you wish to participate you will be asked to attend a photography session to be held on campus at Ryerson University to be photographed in three outfits of your choosing. This session is 90-minutes long and will be held in early spring 2022.

PART 3 - VIRTUAL DIGITAL STORYTELLING WORKSHOP (OPTIONAL)

This step is completely optional. If you wish to participate you will be asked to join a virtual digital storytelling workshop that will take place over 6-8 weeks in spring/summer 2022. Here you will work at your pace to develop a 3-5 minute story about your fashion choices in video format. All training will be provided.

Participants in this study must identify as female and be 18 years of age or older. I am looking for women of all ages over 18 and of all ethnicities, body types, and walks of life to apply. All women who purposefully dress modestly are invited to contact me. In addition, we are looking for Muslim women who have been wearing the headscarf as their regular daily practice for 2 years or more.

There is no cost to participate in any part of this research. To summarize, all participants must complete Part 1 which is a pre-requisite for participating in Part 2 and/or 3. Participants are not required to complete Part 2 and 3. You can participate in this study as follows:

o Part 1 - only 

o Part 1 and Part 2 only 

o Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3

o Part 1 and Part 3 only

I am conducting this research as part of my graduate studies for partial completion of my PhD under the supervision of Dr. Ben Barry. Findings from this research study will be shared at conferences and in publications. 

You are welcome to forward the link for this page to any women who might be interested in participating. If you have any questions or want additional information I an be reached at: romana.mirza[AT]ryerson[DOT]ca.

This research has been reviewed by the Ryerson Research Ethics Board (File #2021-292).

Romana Mirza is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities

Research Council.