Identity constuction of muslimahs on Facebook

Abstract

Employing the theory of Self-presentation, Goffman’s presentation of the self, with a touch on Impressions Management, this study is centered on the identity construction of Muslim women on Facebook in Ghana; taking into consideration the kind of identities Muslimahs in Ghana construct on Facebook, the ways in which they perform these identities and the factors that account for the construction of their identities on Facebook. Using qualitative research approach and case study as a design, the study sampled 10 Muslimahs on Facebook. The data for the study was collected using interviews and online observation. The findings revealed different identities constructed by each participant, depending on their orientation and their understanding of Islam as a religion. It was also discovered that the respondents of the study perform multiple identities based on the salience of that identity to them and the situations in which they find themselves at a given time. The study revealed that participants expect positive feedback from their audiences and tend to be introverted from identities which are not supported by their audiences as they are the shapers of the identities they construct. The study recommends that in future, using the Uses and Gratification Theory, studies could be done to investigate the identity construction of Muslim women on Facebook in Ghana, concentration only on ‘Facebook Status’; one of the newest features added to Facebook, which comprises mostly video updates and a few pictures, seen by only people who follow the subscriber. The study recommends that, to keep Facebook as the easiest form of SNS, changes in the features of the app should be done with people who are less tech savvy in mind. Also, employing Goffman’s presentation of self, Muslimahs should ensure that the identities at the backstage conforms with the ones they have on social (the frontstage), as they can never tell who is watching and forming certain impressions that are unintended. Muslimahs should be mindful of their professional image when enacting identities on social media.