Discursive identities of non-hijabi Muslim Jordanian women

This study explores how non-hijabi Muslim women in Jordan construct and negotiate their identities within a culturally conservative context where veiling is often equated with religiosity and moral virtue. Drawing on a Discursive Psychology framework, this qualitative research analyses a group interview with four participants, highlighting their rhetorical and discursive strategies: Stake Inoculation, Script Formulation, and Extreme Case Formulations. These strategies reveal how participants manage societal expectations, resist stereotypes, and assert agency while redefining religiosity as an internal and behavioural quality rather than an external marker. Findings highlight the participants’ emphasis on spiritual sincerity and readiness in approaching the hijab, reframing it as a personal journey rather than a societal obligation. By situating their experiences within familial and cultural contexts, participants navigate the tensions between autonomy, faith, and societal norms. This study contributes to broader discussions on the intersection of language, culture, and identity, challenging monolithic representations of Muslim women and offering nuanced insights into the discursive construction of non-hijabi Muslim identities. The findings have implications for understanding the complexities of identity negotiation in conservative and patriarchal settings.