Abstract

This qualitative case study examines the intricate realm of cultural identity development, examining both inter-group and intra-group conflict among female Muslim Arab undergraduates enrolled in an American private university located in the Northeastern United States. In-depth interviews, conducted in Arabic, were carried out with three Muslim Arab female undergraduates, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of cultural identity development. Students perceive this process as a continual balancing act encompassing selfhood, gender, religion, and ethnicity, occurring through interactions with fellow Muslim Arab peers on campus and the broader American student community. As our findings illuminate, personnel in international and student affairs offices must cultivate a profound awareness of the intricate dynamics of selfhood within the cultural identity development of Muslim Arab female undergraduates, fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Keywords:Cultural identity development; Female muslim arab undergraduates; Inter-group conflict; Intra-group conflict; American private university; Northeastern United States; In-depth interviews; Selfhood; Gender and religion; Ethnicity