The geographies of veiling: Muslim women in Britain

In this article I reflect on the debates initiated by Jack Straw's article about Muslim women and the wearing of face veils (October 2006). I place this issue in a wider context, drawing on recent geographical work on Muslim identities. I begin by exploring the position of Muslims in contemporary debates about multiculturalism in Britain. I then discuss the dynamics of contemporary veiling practices and contested meanings of the veil. Finally, I draw on my own work, and recent work in fashion theory, to consider the complexities of dress choices for young British Muslim women and to challenge dominant discourses.