Cross-Sections of Positionality and Educational Research: The Experiences of Muslim Women in Academia

Abstract: This qualitative study examines the experiences of five Muslim women scholars in academia, focusing on the intersection of race, religion, and gender in predominantly secular institutions. Through Critical Race Methodology (CRM), and Muslim Critical Race Theory (MusCrit), we analyze how Muslim women navigate exclusionary academic spaces, particularly in the context of intensified Islamophobia. Drawing on narrative inquiry and thematic analysis, we uncover patterns of silencing, inclusivity, hypervisibility, impostor syndrome, and the complexities of allyship. Our findings reveal the multifaceted strategies Muslim women employ to reconcile their personal and professional lives within institutional structures that often fail to recognize religious diversity. This study enhances discussions on representation and systemic change in higher education, highlighting the necessity for truly inclusive environments that recognize and address the unique experiences of Muslim women scholars.